When Brandon Esianor matriculated at UTA in fall 2010, he was certain he wanted to become a physical therapist. An avid sportsman, he figured physical therapy would be a natural fit for him. But after learning about how far an exercise science degree could take him, he decided to pursue a career in medicine.

Esianor graduated from the College of Nursing and Health Innovation with an honors degree in exercise science and a minor in chemistry in 2014. He also received the Wayne Duke Outstanding Student Leadership award, which goes to one student each year and comes with a scholarship.

"Brandon is such a unique and exceptional young man," says Brad Heddins, a clinical assistant professor of kinesiology and one of Esianor's former instructors. "He has such a strong sense of gratitude. He loves UTA and attributes his success to the education he received here."

Esianor says he developed relationships with several of his instructors, including Dr. Heddins, Professor Mark Ricard, and Associate Professor Judy Wilson.

"They made us aware of the different ways you could go with this degree," he says. "Dr. Heddins in particular was helpful in teaching clinical skills like stress testing and blood pressure monitoring."

Now a third-year student at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Esianor says he has classmates from places like Harvard and he's holding his own. His goal is to become an otolaryngologist.

"A kinesiology degree gives you so many options," he says. "There are so many routes you can take."