Department of Health and Human Performance Shines at Annual Industry Conference

Faculty and students from the department received awards and presented workshops at the premier industry conference.

Representatives from the Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) at East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) recently attended the 101^st Annual Convention of the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD) in Galveston, Texas. They returned with awards, scholarships and new connections in the industry.

Kimbrough recognized for excellence

Dr. Sandy Kimbrough, a professor for the department, received the David K. Brace Award. The honor recognizes noteworthy industry leaders who exemplify excellence in service, teaching or administration and whose lives and contributions inspire others.

As a devoted faculty member with a master's and doctorate in kinesiology emphasizing motor behavior from Texas A&M University, Kimbrough specializes in human movement and group exercise. She has served in multiple capacities since joining East Texas A&M (formerly A&M-Commerce) in 2005. She served as president of TAHPERD in 2022.

Frisbie awarded student scholarship

ETAMU kinesiology major and aspiring adapted physical education teacher Katelyn Frisbie received a student scholarship at the conference. Frisbie champions accessible sports and spends countless hours volunteering for department events aimed at individuals with disabilities.

Building accessible physical activity and nutrition education partnerships

Kimbrough, Frisbie, HHP faculty Dr. Kelly Featherston, Texas Wesleyan University faculty member Dr. Sharon Carano, and Region 10 adapted physical education specialist Thomas Swinden hosted a breakout session at the conference. The session focused on their research and work in building partnerships between universities, local school districts, education service centers and communities to provide physical activity and nutrition education opportunities for area students with disabilities.

The model helps school districts better serve individuals with disabilities by hosting field days, pickleball challenges and other events that provide valuable experiences and skill development opportunities. It also allows university students, particularly those focused on health and human performance, to gain hands-on experience modifying activities for various populations.

“There's a university and a school district in every corner of the state, so it makes sense to build these connections,” Featherston said. “By working together, we can provide undergraduates real-world experiences and give K-12 students meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. It's about serving all students and setting a standard where differentiated learning is simply good teaching.”

Learn more about the Department of Health and Human Performance at East Texas A&M.