Two College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences faculty members received awards at the 2015 National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education conference.
Drs. James C. Hannon and Valerie Wayda were honored at the annual conference, held January 8-10 in Clearwater, Florida. Hannon and Wayda earned two of the three prestigious awards presented.
NAKHE honors individuals who have dedicated their professional lives to the disciplines of Kinesiology, Physical Education and Higher Education. Hannon was recognized for his achievements in the scholastic realm while Wayda was applauded for her service within NAKHE.
Hannon received the 2015 Distinguished Scholar Award for his significant role in scholarly pursuits in kinesiology and physical education in higher education. Hannon, who serves as professor and assistant dean of academic affairs and research for the college, has maintained a consistently impressive level of academic productivity throughout his career.
“It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to be recognized among the past recipients of the award, many of whom have served as role models for my own career,” Hannon said.
Wayda received the 2015 Distinguished Service Award for her contributions as an outstanding member of NAKHE. Wayda has served in numerous leadership roles since becoming a member of NAKHE in 2000. She has served as vice president of the association, chaired several committees and presented at annual conferences.
“I’m very humbled being selected, given the previous recipients who have received the honor,” Wayda said.
In addition to NAKHE, Wayda has served in leadership roles within Midwest District Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, The National Association of Sport and Physical Education, and the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education. Wayda’s 2011 article “Is coaching a profession and is coaching education significant?” appeared in the NAKHE publication and leading scholarly journal Quest. Her current research interest focuses on professional dispositions and subjective warrants of pre-professionals entering athletic coaching and physical education teacher education.
Among Hannon’s notable achievements include 86 peer-reviewed manuscripts in-print or in-press, as well as over $3 million generated in grants/contracts. He has been published in numerous distinguished publications such as Journal of Physical Activity & Health, Journal of Teaching in Physical Education and Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Hannon has made over 100 professional presentations since his career began at the University of Utah. The focus of his research is pediatric physical activity and fitness measurement as well as instructional and environmental physical activity interventions in P-12 school and community settings