IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 27, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

                                                                                                                                                    gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Professional association names Nichols teacher of the year

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance has named Slippery Rock University physical education instructor Randy Nichols Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

            Nichols, a 1990 and 1991 SRU graduate, was chosen for involving his students in real-world settings and teaching them how to get other people moving and appreciate physical activity.

            “In my profession, it means a lot to be recognized for what you do day in and day out,” Nichols said. “I must credit my students as well because they’ve been helping to change attitudes about fitness through a service-learning project and other activities.”

            PSAHPERD is a non-profit membership association that supports professions working to encourage active and healthy lifestyles. A public school teacher nominated Nichols for the annual award. A PSAHPERD committee selected him as the winner.

            The association also cited Nichols’ scholarly accomplishments in the field, including four national presentations, two publications and serving as a consultant for the National Association for Sport and Physical Education during the past year.

            Nichols advocates daily activity to combat the nation’s health crisis, including obesity, and said parents must lead by example. “As adults, we’ve become more sedentary,” he said. “Children are a product of what they see at home.” 

            Nichols joined SRU in 1996. He teaches “Fitness Education,” “Assessment Strategies,” “Health-Related Fitness Education and Assessment” and supervises student-teaching opportunities. His research interests include fitness, fitness education and assessment and technology. 

            An avid runner, Nichol’s undergraduate and master’s degrees are from SRU and his doctorate of education is from West Virginia University. 

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

Editor’s Note: The successes of our friends and colleagues at the University are something we should all celebrate…and share. The University Public Relations Office has introduced a daily E-feature to share a good news story about a person, program, activity or service associated with Slippery Rock University. When good news happens to you, please let us know so we might share it with others. Submit items through campus e-mail to: GoodNews@sru.edu.