Betty A. Block, Ed.D.

Artist, philosopher and scientist. Betty Block embodies all three with ease. Whether she's performing dance at the Kennedy Center, studying the minutia of human movement or showcasing the talents of disabled performers, Block has one question in mind: what does it mean to be human?

A Conversation with Dr. Block

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

Come join the Pride! There is so much to love about A&M-Commerce. It’s large enough to attract top-quality professors from around the world who actually teach your classes. It’s small enough that people know your name and you will be big enough to take leadership positions if you want them! Most importantly, the Lion network of faculty, staff and alumni have your back.

What makes you passionate about your discipline?

I am intrigued by the interconnected nature of humans – the mind, body and spirit embodied in the world of other embodied souls. The field of Kinesiology and all of her sub-disciplines provide the opportunity to study every part of what it means to be human.

Educational Background

• Ed.D., Physical Education and Recreation, East Texas State University, 1989
• M.S., Physical Education, East Texas State University, 1978
• B.S., Elementary Education with Physical Education Specialization, East Texas State University, 1976

Academic Positions

• Professor, Health and Human Performance, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2011-2022
• Interim Department Head, Educational Leadership, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2018
• Associate Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2014–2016

Awards and Honors

• Texas A&M System Regents Professor, 2020
• Outstanding Department Head Award, 2013-2014
• A&M System Excellence in Teaching Award, 2011
• Presidential Award, National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education
• Presidential Citation, National Dance Association

Research Interests

• Relational Cultural Theory
• Phenomenology
• Dance Therapy

Professional Organizations

• American Dance Therapy Association
• National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education
• Council of Graduate Schools
• American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Selected Publications

• Block, B.A. (2019). Organizational Physiology: Transcending Ambiguity in Higher Education in Transcending Politics in Higher Education. Myers Education Press: Gorham, Maine
• Block, B. A., Kissell, J. (2001). “The Dance: Essence of Embodiment” The Journal of Theoretical Medicine and Biomedical Ethics.
• Block, B.A. (2010). “Cultural Relational Leaders: Unraveling, Understanding and Utilizing Narratives in Leadership Practice.” Quest, 62, Issue 3, August. 250 – 259
• Block, B.A. (2014). Leadership and Ambiguity: When Policy, Politics and Truth Collide. Quest, 66, 323-337.
• Block, B.A. & Estes, S.G. (2011). “Supercomplexity in Higher Education Kinesiology.” Quest. 63(2),179 -196.