Steven Prewitt, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Steven Prewitt, Ph.D., enjoys educating his students about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. He is a native of Battle Ground, Washington, where he grew up enjoying the outdoors and healthy living. Prewitt is living the dream when he is outside, camping and fly fishing. Just for fun, you might find him wearing his Stewart kilt while competing in Scottish Highland Games.

A Conversation with Dr. Steven Prewitt

What draws you to your discipline?

I have been involved in sports and physical activity all of my life. Teaching future physical educators and coaches allows me to pass along information and techniques that engage students and provide a safe environment to learn and have fun.

What has been your favorite course to teach?

I really enjoy teaching HHPK 302: Adapted Physical Education. During this course, students are able to participate in various activities that help to increase awareness of the need and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in physical activity and sport.

Tell us about an academic project you are working on or recently completed.

One of my areas of research is physical activity. Currently, many schools are doing away with recess to make time for students to study for high-stakes testing. Our study examined various aspects of recess, including how much physical activity children engaged in during recess, as well as what types of activity. We also looked at group size and what types of behavior the students engaged in, positive and negative, and both physical and verbal. Our results showed that students engaged in meaningful activity and displayed increased positive interactions with their classmates. Our future plans include looking at these same variables at different types of schools (urban, suburban and rural).

Tell us a little about yourself (educational background, research interests, etc.)

I grew up in Battle Ground, Washington, and earned my bachelor's degree in health and human performance from George Fox University. After receiving my master’s degree, I interned with the Seattle Mariners and then earned my teaching credentials from Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon. After teaching and coaching for 12 years, I received my doctorate in sport pedagogy from the University of Utah. I have a passion for educating people about the importance of a healthy and fun lifestyle. I enjoy spending time outdoors camping and fly fishing, and on occasion, I can be seen wearing my Stewart kilt while competing in Scottish Highland Games.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Exercise and Sport Science: Sport Pedagogy, The University of Utah, 2014
• Teaching Certificate, Biology and Physical Education, Warner Pacific University, 1999
• M.S., Exercise and Movement Science: Sports Medicine, University of Oregon, 1998
• B.S., Health and Human Performance: Athletic Training, George Fox University, 1993

Honors and Awards

• Leader Mentor Grant Recipient, National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education, 2020-2021
• Paul W. Barrus Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching, 2018
• Excellence in Teaching, Research, & Service Award, Texas A&M University – Commerce Athletic Department, 2015

Research Interests

• Coaching Education
• Physical Activity
• Adapted Sport
• “Hidden Fans” – Sport Spectators with Disabilities

Professional Organizations

• US Center for Coaching Excellence
• National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education
• Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance

Featured Courses

• HHPK 590: Sport Coaching
• HHPK 302: Adapted Physical Education

Selected Publications

• Baghurst, T., Prewitt, S.L., & Tapps, T. (2019). Physiological demands of extreme obstacle course racing: A case study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(16), 2879-2886.
• Prewitt, S.L., Rosselli, C., & Rosselli, A. (2019). Physical activity and social interactions of rural elementary children during recess. Journal of Physical Activity Research, 4(2), 114-117.
• Rosselli, A. Prewitt, S., & Culpepper, D. (2018). The effects of moderate exercise on depressive symptoms. Advances in Applied Psychology, 3(3), 34-47.
• Bell, J.M., Prewitt, S.L., Bernhardt, V., & Culpepper, D. (2018). The relationship of athlete identity and career exploration and engagement of NCAA Division II athletes. International Journal of Exercise Science, 11(5), 493-502.