Uniting Human Performance, Readiness, and Leadership at The Citadel
Why “CORE”?
The name CORE captures the heart of The Citadel’s mission:
- Central Mission – A shared hub for SFSSM, HHP, and ZFSOE integrating research, education, and performance.
- Corps Connection – Phonetically linked to the Corps of Cadets, symbolizing discipline, unity, and strength.
- Core Values – Embodies Honor, Duty, Respect through physical, mental, and ethical preparation.
CORE isn’t just an acronym,
it’s a philosophy.
Just as physical strength begins at the body’s center, institutional strength begins at The Citadel’s CORE.
Purpose: To unify Physical Education, Strength & Conditioning, Exercise Science, and Sport Management under one strategic center focused on readiness, competence, and leadership through movement.
Mission Statement: The CORE Center advances The Citadel’s mission of principled leadership by integrating science, pedagogy, and performance to enhance human readiness: in classrooms, on fields, and across communities.
| Pillar | Focus | Examples of Impact |
| C — Competence | Developing technical, tactical, and motor proficiency that enhances physical, mental, and leadership readiness | ABCs4PE initiative, PE teacher preparation, youth motor development, ROTC motor competence assessments |
| O — Optimization | Advancing human performance through innovation, technology, and applied science | Biomechanics and load variability studies, CPFT analytics, CLEAR hydration research |
| R — Research Integration | Translating scientific evidence into practice across disciplines of movement, leadership, and performance | Interdisciplinary research collaborations, CORE Center publications, student-led applied projects |
| E — Education & Engagement | Strengthening teaching, coaching, and community leadership through active learning and outreach | Coaching education, mentorship programs, K-12 partnerships, tactical performance education |
Structure
- Administrative Home: Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP), School of Science and Mathematics (SFSSM)
- Strategic Partners: Zucker Family School of Education (ZFSOE), Athletics, and ROTC programs
- Model: Distributed leadership: faculty leads aligned with core pillars
Institutional Value
- Unifies programs under one performance-driven identity
- Protects applied-science infrastructure and field-based learning
- Expands research, enrollment, and visibility across divisions
- Embodies The Citadel’s mission: to educate and develop students to become principled leaders through a disciplined and intellectually challenging environment that instills the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect.
“At The Citadel, leadership starts at the C.O.R.E.”