Hagood Receives College/University Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award

 VALDOSTA – Dr. Susan Hagood, assistant professor of kinesiology and physical education, received the College/University Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award from the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (GAHPERD) for her performance as an educator, role model and community leader.

“It is such an honor to be selected as the recipient of the GAHPERD College/University Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award,” said Hagood. “I am passionate about teaching and strive to prepare classes where students are challenged, encouraged and supported to become highly qualified physical education teachers. There are so many wonderful college/university physical education teacher educators in the state of Georgia so to be selected for this award is truly an honor for which I am most grateful.”

Hagood will attend the 2012 GAHPERD Award Ceremony in Savannah, Ga., on Monday, Nov. 12, at the Savannah Theater.

“This award would not be possible without the support of both the students and faculty here at VSU, as they have afforded me the opportunity to do what I love; provide learning experiences for graduate and undergraduate physical education majors that help them gain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to positively impact the physical activity and health patterns of today’s children and youth,” said Hagood.

Hagood received a B.S. in physical education from Florida State University in 1991. After teaching elementary physical education and coaching softball and volleyball high school athletics in the state of Florida, she returned to Florida State University in 2003 to begin her graduate studies. Graduating with her Ph.D. in 2007, Hagood served three years as an assistant professor in the Physical Education Department at Indiana State University. In 2010, Hagood joined the Kinesiology and Physical Education Department at VSU where she currently teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in curriculum and instruction.

At VSU, Hagood serves as the program coordinator of the Certification Only Program and as an advisor for the Health and Physical Education Majors Club. She has published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals and frequently presents at both state and national education conferences. During Hagood’s spare time, she volunteers for both the Special Olympics and Relay for Life events.

For more information about the award, visit www.GAHPERD.org.