This award was initiated in 1999, the centennial year for the Department of Kinesiology. The primary criterion for this award is sustained, significant contributions to the field of kinesiology.
Anyone may submit a nomination. The award is typically presented at an April ceremony, with nominations due earlier in the spring. Nominations should include the nominee’s name, title/s, home address/phone, business address/phone, email address, MSU affiliation, and activities, accomplishments, and awards, as well as the nominator’s name, title/s, phone, and email address. The completed nomination information should be submitted to the Chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology, 134 IM Sports Circle, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.
Joseph Tate, MBA, M.S.
Speaker Joseph Tate is the current (2024) Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives and serves the 10th House District as the first Black Speaker of the House. With a deep commitment to public service instilled in him by his parents – a teacher in Detroit public school system and a Detroit firefighter – Speaker Tate has dedicated his life to serving his country and state in a multitude of ways. As a teenager, Joseph Tate earned a scholarship to play football at Michigan State University before joining the National Football League (NFL). After his time playing in the NFL, he moved on to serving his country in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Afghanistan two times during Operation Enduring Freedom. After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, he earned his master’s in business Administration (MBA) and a master’s in environmental policy and planning from University of Michigan. Prior to joining the Michigan Legislature, Tate helped small businesses grow their capacity as a program manager for the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.
Nick Myers, Ph.D.
Dr. Nick Myers is a Professor of Kinesiology at Michigan State University (MSU), whose research is situated at intersections of latent variable modeling and psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity. Throughout his career at the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development and in the Department of Kinesiology at MSU, his three primary lines of research are (1) self-efficacy theory-based behavioral interventions that promote physical activity and/or well-being; (2) measurement of physical activity, self-efficacy beliefs, and well-being; and (3) latent variable modeling in kinesiology. His work has been funded by the: Erwin and Barbara Mautner Charitable Foundation, Florida Department of Education, National Academy of Kinesiology, National Institutes of Health, and Society of Health and Physical Educators of America. Dr. Myer’s research has been published in journals such as: Behavior Research Methods, BMC Public Health , Educational and Psychological Measurement, Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Prevention Science, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Psychosomatic Medicine, and Structural Equation Modeling and has served as the editor-in-chief of Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science since 2015.
Anthony P. Kontos, Ph.D.
Dr. Anthony P. Kontos is Research Director for the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program and Professor with tenure in the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh. He has specialized in concussion research for 17 years and has 209 peer-reviewed publications and 365+ professional presentations. His research is funded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and the National Football League. Dr. Kontos is fellow and past president of the Society for Sport, Exercise, & Performance Psychology of the American Psychological Association, and fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, Association for Applied Sport Psychology, and Eastern Psychological Association. Dr. Kontos has also co-authored (with Dr. Collins) Concussion: A Clinical Profile Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment.
Marita Gilbert, Ph.D.
Dr. Marita Gilbert serves as Associate Dean of Diversity & Campus Inclusion in the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Gilbert earned a BA in Mass Communications from Auburn University and PhD in Kinesiology with concentrations in the Sociology of Sport and College Teaching and Learning as well as a specialization in Black Feminisms from Michigan State University. Dr. Gilbert has dedicated her life to advocacy for the most marginalized and vulnerable populations through leadership, scholarship, and practice. Her passion for transforming communities and institutions has guided over 20 years of progressive experience in higher education, serving in faculty and administrative roles ranging from athletics to senior leadership. As the associate dean, Dr. Gilbert oversees diversity efforts on all three campuses of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and works directly with the Dean–providing influence and guidance over areas of college climate to include faculty mentoring in the areas of equity and inclusion, leading oversight of elections for college and university committees, advising the College Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure (RPT) process, and developing cohesive and visible community partnerships and engaging in local outreach efforts.
Sally Eaves Nogle, Ph.D.
Dr. Sally Eaves Nogle completed her undergraduate and master’s degree at San Diego State University prior to obtaining her PhD from the MSU Department of Kinesiology in 2001. Her advisors were Paul Vogel and Gail Dummer. Sally started working as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at MSU in 1983. She is currently the Head Athletic Trainer and works with the MSU football team. Sally was selected to work at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul, South Korea in 1988. Sally has received numerous awards including induction into the Michigan Athletic Trainers and National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame. Sally also teaches courses in the kinesiology department.
Karin Allor Pfeiffer, Ph.D.
Dr. Karin Allor Pfeiffer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and is a faculty member in the Center for Physical Activity and Health at Michigan State Univerisity. Since completing her Ph.D. in Kinesiolgy at MSU in 2001, Dr. Pfeiffer has focused her professional efforts toward studying physical activity and health-related fitness in children, completing over 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals (at the time of winning this award). Dr. Pfeiffer has served on the Leadership Board of the National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute and is a past President of the North American Society for Pediatric Exercise Medicine and the Midwest regional chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Among her many professional service contributions is her work to update the federal Youth Compendium of Physical Activities and produce the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report.
Aaron Moffett, Ph.D.
Dr. Aaron Moffett received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 2005 with concentrations in Adapted Physical Activity and Sport and Exercise Psychology. Along with his accomplishments in serving as the Sport Psychology and Warrior Resiliency Porgram Coordinator with the US Air Force and as the Head Coach for the USA Invictus Games Team, Dr. Moffett created the nationally-recognized DisAbility Sports Festival Programs across the United States, which are non-profit events focused on providing increased physical activity opportunities for people with any disability. Dr. Moffett has been a swim coach and a consultant for the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Air Force Wounded Warrior programs and conducted research on pscyhological skills of people with and without disabilities. Dr. Moffett was also selected to attend the Beijing Paralympic Games as a coach and leader with the US Paralympic Academy and was awarded as the Molina Healthcare Community Champion in Education for his work with people with disabilities.
Michael Straus, M.S., P.A.
Mr. Michael Straus received a bachelor’s in athletic training from Michigan State University and a master’s of Medical Science from Emory University, fulfilling the physician assistant program requirements. Mr. Straus has completed experiences with the New York Giants football team and served two years with the United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Department in Colorado Springs. Mr. Straus has also worked with the USA Men’s Field Hockey team and volunteered for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. As the director for the Clinical Athletic Training Residency Program at MSU, Mr. Straus enstills excellence to university athletic teams while serving as the Team Physician Assistant for MSU FIeld Hockey and for the Lansing Lugnuts. Mr. Straus has two MSU Department of Kinesiology Awards named in his honor – the Athletic Trainer Academic Excellence and Athletic Trainer Academic Achievement awards.
Carol Hutchins, M.S.
A native of Lansing, Michigan, Carol Hutchins was an all-city basketball player for Everett High School and then again for Michigan State University, playing on the Spartan varsity basketball and softball teams from 1976 to 1979. She was the starting shortstop as a freshman and contributed to that team’s AIAW National Championship. After her graduation through the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at MSU, Carol took her athletic and academic talents to Indiana University, where she earned a master’s degree in physical education in 1981 and began her college coaching career. As the Head Coach of the University of Michigan Softball program, Hutchins led her teams to one NCAA title, eighteen Big Ten regular season titles, and nine Big Ten tournament titles. On April 2, 2016, Carol earned her 1,458th career win, making her the all-time winningest coach in NCAA softball history.
Thelma Horn, Ph.D.
Dr. Horn earned a MS degree in coaching education from Western Michigan University, and then a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Throughout her professional career, Dr. Horn has distinguished herself through teaching physical education in Michigan and Colorado, conducting research across multiple facets of psychosocal well-being and its impact on children across the lifespan, and as a professor and advisor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Miami University (Ohio). Dr. Horn has completed terms as associate editor and editor for multiple scholarly journals and has a long history of serving in several professional organizations in sport and developmental psychology fields, providing leardership service to each association. Dr. Horn has received the Richard T. Delp Outstanding Faculty Award and the Commendation for Influence on Students from the Center for the Enhancement of Learning, Teaching, and University Assessment. In 2011, she also won the prestigious Crystal Apple Award from the Michigan State University College of Education, honoring educators who have a record of excellence and commitment to teaching.
Judi Brown Clarke, Ph.D.
Dr. Brown Clarke earned a MS degree from Michigan State University and her Ph.D. from Western Michigan University in Public Administration and Policy. Dr. Brown Clarke has distinguished herself in a variety of settings. As an athlete, her accomplishments ranged from winning multiple Big Ten Championships to winning a silver medal in the 400 meter hurdles in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, CA. The accomplishments continued throughout her professional life and include working for the State of Michigan with children’s services and becoming the Director of Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion at MSU in 2006. She remains an active community leader having been elected to the Lansing City Council and has participated on many local boards and foundations.
Clarence Underwood, Ph.D. 1982
Dr. Underwood is a retired Athletic Director of Michigan State University. Born in Gadsen, Alabama, Dr. Underwood obtained his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Dr. Underwood served as Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Support, Associate Alumni Director, Deputy Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance, and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Michigan State Univeristy. During his tenure in these positions, Dr. Underwood initiated the SCORE program (Success Comes Out of Reading Everyday) and promoted the Big Ten Advisory Commission while establishing higher standards in academic advising and institutional compliance.
Bonnie Smoak, Ph.D. 1985
Bonnie Smoak earned a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the College of Education in 1985, and has spent her career focusing on emerging pathogens and infectious disease surveillance systems on a global scale. Smoak served in the U.S. Army for 26 years before retiring as a colonel in 2008. Some of the highlights of her career include time spent in Kenya researching malaria, enteric pathogens drug resistance patterns and viral hemorrhagic fevers, as well as serving as commander of the United States Army Medical Component – Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences from 2005 to 2007. Smoak is now chief of the Department of Health Systems at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. She is currently leading a team working in Kenya, Uganda, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to enhance their public health infrastructure’s abilities to detect, diagnose and report infectious diseases.
Linda Petlichkoff, Ph.D. 1982
Linda Petlichkoff accepted her appointment to a tenure-track position in the Boise State Department of Kinesiology in Fall of 1987. Petlichkoff has published numerous articles on issues related to participation in and withdrawal from sport, competitive anxiety, achievement goal profiles, coaching children, goal setting techniques, and self-regulation skills. Her current interests focus on youth development through sport and self-regulation. Currently, Petlichkoff serves as a Developmental Consultant for The First Tee™ Life Skills Curriculum.
James S. Walton, Ph.D. 1970
James S. Walton is president and owner of 4DVideo, a small business that provides products and services that employ image-based motion measurement and motion reconstruction. In 1968, he received a Diploma in Physical Education and his credential from Carnigie College in the U.K. He received his M.A. in Education from MSU in 1970, his M.S. in Applied Mechanics from Stanford University in 1976 and his Ph.D. in Physical Education (biomechanics/engineering mechanics) from Penn State University in 1981
Michael Maksud, Ph.D. 1965
Michael Maksud is Dean Emeritus at Oregon State University where he served as Dean of the College of Health and Human Performance from 1980 to 1995. Dr. Maksud received his Ph.D. at Michigan State University under the guidance of Dr. Wayne Van Huss in 1965 after completing his Master’s degree at Syracuse University and an undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois. Prior to his tenure as Dean at Oregon State University, his professional experience included Chairperson of the Department of Physical Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Professor and Director of the Exercise Physiology Laboratory, and Associate Dean of Academic Programs of the Graduate School of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Dee Edington, Ph.D. 1968
Dr. Edington’s teaching and research focus on the relationship between healthy lifestyles, vitality and quality of life, as they benefit both individuals and organizations. Dr. Edington is the author or co-author of over 400 articles, presentations, and several books, including Biology of Physical Activity, Biological Awareness, Frontiers of Exercise Biology, and The One Minute Manager Gets Fit. He has served on the faculty at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Michigan.
Kathryn Lindahl, M.A. 1979
Kathy Lindahl’s career path began as a high school physical education teacher and coach in Normal IL, followed by associate director of athletics at MSU, and currently Assistant Vice President for Finance and Operations at MSU. Ms. Lindahl has maintained her kinesiology roots, and often teaches an MSU graduate course in sports law for administrators and coaches.
Ronnie P. Barnes, M.S. 1979
After his stint as a student athletic trainer at MSU, Ronnie Barnes completed an internship and subsequently because head athletic trainer for the New York Giants (football). His current position is Vice President for Medical Services for the Giants. Mr. Barnes has served in a variety of leadership roles for NATA, NATABOC, and the Professional Athletic Trainers Society. He is a co-author of the popular textbook, Athletic Training and Sports Medicine.
Kelvin Sampson, M.S. 1980
Mr. Sampson studied coaching and sports administration at MSU, and also served as a graduate assistant coach under Jud Heathcote. He has subsequently coached at Montana Tech, Washington State University, and Oklahoma. Coach Sampson earned national coach of the year honors in 1995 from the Associated Press, United States Basketball Underwriters Association, and Basketball Weekly. He was similarly honored in 2002 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and CBS/Chevrolet.
Dale A. Ulrich, Ph.D. 1981
Dale Ulrich is an international leader in adapted physical activity and motor development, known for his research on facilitating the motor development of young children with disabilities, as well as the development of the Test of Gross Motor Development. Dale has served on the faculties at Southern Illinois University, Indiana University, and University of Michigan. His professional contributions include President of the North American Federation on Adapted Physical Activity and Associate Editor of Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly
Frances B. Koenig, Ph.D. 1969
Throughout her professional career of 37 years, Frances was a consummate advocate of physical education and women’s sports. She taught physical education and coached all girls’ sports at Morrisville Central School, followed by teaching and coaching assignments (especially basketball and field hockey) at Concordia Teachers College, MSU, and Central Michigan University. When her career ended because of her untimely death in 2000, she was Director of Women’s Athletics and a member of the physical education faculty at Central Michigan University.
David R. Lamb, M.A., 1962, Ph.D. 1965
Dr. Lamb has been a very productive scholar, authoring 20 books and over 70 research articles on topics in exercise physiology. He received research funding from numerous granting agencies, including the National Institute on Aging, American Heart Association, the Quaker Oats Company, and the United States Olympic Committee. Dr. Lamb’s contributions include service as president of the American College of Sports Medicine and fellow in the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Jean C. (McIntyre) Netherton, Ph.D. 1966
Dr. Netherton has served higher education in a number of capacities for almost half a century. She has been a faculty member at Alabama College, Michigan State University, the University of Maryland, and Northern Virginia Community College. She was selected as the first woman Dean and Provost in the Virginia Community College System. Dr. Netherton has received several awards in recognition of her vision and leadership.
E. Jane Watkinson, Ph.D. 1977
Dr. Watkinson has continued the rich research tradition established by her mentor, Janet Wessel, with a prolific record of presentations, publications, and grants related to curriculum and instruction for children with cognitive disabilities. Dr. Watkinson has provided leadership to professional organizations and served as associate editor for Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly. She is a McCalla Professor at the University of Alberta, where she has also served as dean and department chairperson.
V. Reggie Edgerton, Ph.D. 1968
Dr. Edgerton’s research is focused on neural control of movement and how this neural control adapts to altered use as well as chronic spinal cord injury. He is the co-author of two books: The Biology of Physical Activity and An Atlas of the Lesser Bushbaby, and has authored approximately 300 research papers. Reggie has received several prestigious awards for his scholarly works. He is a professor, and formerly chairperson, of the Department of Physiological Sciences at the University of California at Los Angeles.
Richard C. Nelson, Ph.D. 1960
Dr. Richard C. Nelson is emeritus professor of biomechanics at The Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Kinesiology. Dr. Nelson is internationally renowned for his work on the role of biomechanics in improving human performance and reducing injuries. He has been well funded for his work, which has been published in over 90 scientific journals. Dr. Nelson is a former Alliance Scholar, a fellow in the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, and a member of the Medical Commission of the International Olympic Committee.
Beverly Ulrich, Ph.D. 1984
Dr. Ulrich has been in the forefront of new approaches to the study and conceptualization of the development and refinement of motor skills in children and youth. Her research has been well funded and widely published. Bev is president of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity and has been elected fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. She currently serves as director of the Division of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan.
Maureen Weiss, Ph.D. 1981
Dr. Weiss’s research has focused on the psychological and social development of children and adolescents through participation in sport and physical activity. “Mo” enjoys an international reputation as a result of invited scholar/lecture positions in several countries and publications in over 70 scientific journals. She is past-president for the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology and an elected fellow in the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Dr. Weiss is professor and director of Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Virginia.
Awarded to alumni who have made significant contributions to their profession, community and educational organizations through recognized leadership.
Nomination procedures for the Distinguished Alumni Award are available at The Alumni Distinguished Alumni Award site.
2008
Dee Edington, Ph.D. 1968
Dr. Edington’s teaching and research focus on the relationship between healthy lifestyles, vitality and quality of life, as they benefit both individuals and organizations. Dr. Edington is the author or co-author of over 400 articles, presentations, and several books, including Biology of Physical Activity, Biological Awareness, Frontiers of Exercise Biology, and The One Minute Manager Gets Fit. He has served on the faculty at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Michigan.
Presented to alumni teachers currently teaching in any school system who demonstrate evidence of service and achievement above and beyond what is expected.
Nomination procedures for the Outstanding K-12 Teacher Award are available at The Alumni Outstanding K-12 Teacher Award site.
None to date
Presented to alumni administrators at any level within any school system who have made outstanding and continuing contributions to the educational community.
Nomination procedures for the Outstanding Alumni K-12 Administrator Award are available at The Alumni Outstanding Alumni K-12 Administrator site.
1999
Brian P. Wolcott
Mr. Wolcott spent nearly 20 years as a teacher, coach and administrator, first as a physical education teacher and coach at Groves High School and later as director of athletics, health and physical education at Plymouth-Canton Schools. He developed the physical education curriculum at Groves, and coached a variety of boys and girls high school sports in both school districts. Mr. Wolcott’s service activities include a four-year term as president of the Michigan Association of Heath, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.