Biography:

Drawing on a lifetime of diverse experiences instructing children in sport, recreation, physical education and Health settings Gary Clark combines content knowledge with practical experience. Dr. Clark’s education includes a Ph.D. in Developmental Movement from the University of Pittsburgh where his research focus was on the effect of physical activity on cognitive function in children. He received his M.S. in Physical Education from Western Kentucky University where he served as a graduate assistant and he also received the Universities Outstanding Graduate Student Award. He also holds a B.S. in Recreation is from Lock Haven University where his accomplishments’ included starting on the football team, receiving the Ross E. Nevel award, and being honored with the Outstanding Internship Award. 

Dr. Clark also has been fortunate enough to gain practical experience from a diverse background in physical education and related fields. His higher education teaching experiences include his current position as an Assistant Professor at Slippery Rock University as well as teaching Physical Education Major courses at several other institutions including The Pennsylvania State University and The University of Pittsburgh. His public school experiences include over seven years of experience in the North Hills School District as a Health and Physical Education teacher where he and his colleagues were acknowledged for their involvement in NFL Flag and for grant writing to bring programs such as in line skating to students in the district. His involvement in public education has continued through volunteer work in school districts, by substitute teaching, and through the maintenance of his Pennsylvania teaching certification. As a coach Gary has worked with athletes on a variety of levels in sports including football, track & field, swimming, basketball, baseball, and wrestling. Dr. Clark also continues to work to promote physical activity in children by coordinating, volunteering, and working in children’s camps, and teaching swim lessons. These experiences have emphasized promoting physical activity for everyone, a concept which he has exhibited through his involvement in programs for children with special needs including programs at University of Pittsburgh, the IUP Special Needs Activity Program, Special Olympics, and through serving as a Master level counselor in a sport based program focused on behavior modification in children. Dr. Clark is committed to keeping the child alive in all of us, promoting a love for movement, and the development of a physically active lifestyle.

Education:

Ph.D. Developmental Movement: The University of Pittsburgh.

M.S. Physical Education: Western Kentucky University.

B.S. Recreation:  Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.

Courses:

61-274      Assessment Strategies

61-383      Motor Development and learning 

Selected Publications:

Clark, G.E. (2008) The immediate effects of an acute bout of moderate physical activity on cognitive processing in children. The University of Pittsburgh Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Archive.http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-07312008-064225/

Clark, G.E., & Lorenzi, D.G.  (2008).  Understanding the Sensory System in Physical Education.       Pennsylvania Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 78(1), 19-21.

Clark, G.E., and Lorenzi, D.G.(2008). Blood on the gym floor, Practical application of body fluid spill guidelines. Strategies a journal for Physical Education and Sports Educators, V. 21, number 23.

 Lorenzi, D.G. and Clark, G.E. (2005) Students With Autism in Physical Education. 

           The Virginia Journal, 27(2), 11-13.

 Lorenzi, D.G. and Clark, G.E. (2005). Students With Autism in Physical Education. 

            Pennsylvania Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance.

 Klingaman, l., Black, C., Blair, E., Alman, R.,Clark, G., McKee, K, Trenney, R.,& Temes,A. 

(2001).An overview and format to address risk behaviors among college students. The Journal of Student Assistance Programs.

 Clark, G.E. (1993). The effects of nutrition knowledge and fitness knowledge upon nutrition 

attitude and fitness attitude in an introductory college weight training class. Master’s Thesis Western Kentucky University. OCLC's Experimental Thesis Catalog (United States)

Office:

128-F Morrow Field House

Slippery Rock, PA  16057

Phone: (724) 738-4367

e-mail: gary.clark@sru.edu