Ouachita Stories

Dr. Michael Reynolds, Ouachita Baptist University professor of kinesiology and leisure studies, was chosen to present at the recent National Association for Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education (NAKPEHE) Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“Attending and presenting at a national conference is a way for me to network with leaders in the field of kinesiology and physical education,” Reynolds said. He added that it also provides opportunities “to advance OBU’s kinesiology and leisure studies department and obtain new ideas as to what we can do to advance the department.”

Reynolds’ presentation, “Good to Great: Using Place-Based Education to Advance Kinesiology and Physical Education,” complemented the conference theme of “Good to Great: Success Stories in Kinesiology and Physical Education” which was based on Jim Collins’ book Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t.

In the presentation, Reynolds gave concrete examples of Ouachita’s kinesiology and leisure studies department continuing to improve from good to great, particularly focusing on improvements on its “On the Ouachita” course and interactive outreach and teaching projects for Ouachita students and members of the surrounding communities. He also made use of videos and photography of activities, exemplary lesson plans and information about foundations and grants that fund place-based education.

NAKPEHE is an organization for professionals in higher education that strives to help foster leadership in teaching, administration, policy and preparation for the professions and scholarship.

For more information on Reynold’s presentation or Ouachita’s department of kinesiology and leisure studies, contact Dr. Reynolds at [email protected] or (870) 245-5188.

By Brooke Zimny