Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (KAHPERD) has honored two members of the Washburn community for their leadership in empowering health and physical education for Kansans. Dr. Roy Wohl, Washburn University Kinesiology department chair and professor, won the 2020 Outstanding Administrator Award and Hunter Overstreet, Washburn University senior, won the 2020 Shining Star Award. KAHPERD supports, promotes, advocates, develops and creates opportunities to advance the health of students, schools and communities across Kansas.
“A much-deserved congratulations to Dr. Wohl and Hunter. These awards highlight not only their accomplishments, but the caliber of the entire Washburn University Kinesiology department,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, vice president of academic affairs for Washburn University. “Awards like this also illustrate Washburn’s commitment to high-quality programs and partnerships for the betterment of Washburn, Topeka and Kansas communities.”
“Dr. Wohl is an example of excellence in teaching and leadership in all aspects of his professional career and rightfully deserving of the 2020 KAHPERD Outstanding Administrator Award,” said Dr. Tiffany Dirks, executive director for KAHPERD and assistant professor of Kinesiology for Washburn University. “Throughout his tenure at Washburn University, Dr. Wohl has served on various KAHPERD committees and has served as site host for the state convention many times, agreeing to once again host in Fall 2021.”
Wohl began his career at Washburn in 1994, becoming chair of the Kinesiology department in 2007. The Washburn University Kinesiology department prides itself in preparing students to meet or exceed state and/or national standards in pursuing careers concentrated on physical activity, which Wohl has demonstrated by his constant vigilance in ensuring all programs maintain national accreditation with respective professional organizations. This has meant updating and creating new degree programs in response to national trends, like the bachelor’s of science in exercise and rehabilitation science. Wohl is an advocate for continual professional development – for students, faculty and those in the community – assisting students and faculty so they could attend professional conferences, creating an international study abroad program and developing courses leading to professional certifications. He is passionate about engaging the larger Topeka community in physical fitness – implementing the WU Moves community wellness program for low-income residents and other service projects, like Fleece Navidad where the Kinesiology department collects new or gently worn outerwear for those in need in the community.
“Hunter will be an excellent teacher because of his commitment to detail, his thorough understanding of assessment and standards and his diligent work ethic - these traits will enable him to build and establish a vibrant curriculum for his students,” said Dirks. “He will be an excellent coach because of his level of knowledge of the game, his personality and his desire to see athletes succeed.”
Overstreet is on course to graduate this December with a bachelor of education in physical education teaching degree, he is currently coaching a freshman boys’ basketball team and has a long-term substitute job for Spring 2021. His love of sports and admiration for his parents, who are both teachers, drew him to his career choice; an opportunity to play for the Washburn University JV men’s basketball team and a fondness for the Kinesiology department faculty made Washburn his academic home. Overstreet has been actively involved in the Washburn physical education majors club. He has presented research and activities at state level conventions, and has been a consistent volunteer in local schools, community-based organizations, and with KAHPERD.
KAHPERD is one of the oldest professional associations in Kansas. Their mission is to be the leading advocate in the state of Kansas in promoting healthy, active lifestyles and to empower health, physical education, recreation and dance professionals to provide leadership in activities that benefit the health of Kansans. KAHPERD’s work is focused on professional growth and development opportunities, research and scholarship that advances the body of knowledge in health, physical education, recreation and dance, public understanding for the need for quality programing, legislative policy changes that support health initiatives in Kansas, and funding opportunities for innovative projects.
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