BROWNWOOD – June 8, 2026 – Howard Payne University (HPU) graduates Diondray Parker and Georgia (Simmons) Barganski passed the Personal Training Certification exams through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) earlier this spring.
Barganski graduated from HPU with Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Fitness Specialist and a minor in communication. Parker graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-Fitness Specialist and a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry.
Each personal training student at HPU is required to complete a practicum, where they train two participants over the semester.
“Diondray and Georgia did an incredible job with their two trainees, and learned valuable hands-on skills in the process,” said Teresa Cavitt, assistant professor of kinesiology.
According to ACE, an overwhelming body of evidence indicated that even a moderate amount of weekly physical activity enhances health, prevents costly diseases and contributes to a more joyful life.
“Diondray and Georgia will be actively involved in helping people have a better quality of life and reduce their disease risk,” said Cavitt.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 74,200 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.
“ACE is a well-respected certification in the fitness industry,” said Cavitt. “To say I am proud of these two students is an understatement. This has been a two-semester process with a lot of material to cover and a rigorous exam to prepare for.”
For more information about HPU, visit www.hputx.edu.
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Cutline 1: HPU graduate Georgia (Simmons) Barganski passed the Personal Training Certification exams through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) earlier this May.
Cutline 2: Diondray Parker, HPU graduate, recently passed the Personal Training Certification exams through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).