West Virginia University’s Eloise Elliott was recently inducted as a fellow into the North America Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals at the SHAPE America Convention in Cleveland.
Elliott, Ware Distinguished Professor in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, was one of eight to be inducted into this year’s class. Fellows must demonstrate outstanding competence through professional involvement over a period of at least 20 years and be engaged in a minimum of two identified aspects of professional contributions (teaching, administration, professional or scholarly literature, and leadership within their discipline or service to the community).
Elliott has been a leading force in West Virginia’s physical education and physical activity initiatives as an educator, administrator, leader, and scholar throughout her career. In addition to leading the development of the first WV Physical Activity Plan, she created and implemented physical activity and healthy living initiatives in counties throughout West Virginia. She established web-based teacher resources that include physical activity in elementary school classrooms, and an instructional model for elementary and middle schools.
She serves as the director of the Center for ActiveWV, the co-director of the WV CARDIAC Project, and the chair of the coordinating committee for the West Virginia Physical Activity Plan.
Elliott’s been actively involved with SHAPE America over the years on various committees and giving nearly 20 presentations at its annual conferences.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a fellow by this esteemed organization in my profession and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with and learn from my colleagues as we work together to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
Additionally, she was selected as the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs Keynote Lecturer for the SHAPE national convention for her significant contributions to school physical activity programs.
In her lecture, “From Roots to Reality: The Impactful Journey of CSPAP Advocacy,” she discussed the evolution of comprehensive school physical activity programs since the 1980s.