Delta State at MAHPERD Conference

Left to right: Josh Carter, junior BSE HPER major; Stephen Phelps, junior BSE HPER major; Madison Wages, senior BSE HPER major; Victoria Granberry, junior exercise science major; Britnee Smith, instructor and coordinator of physical education teacher education; Jonathan Kent, BSE HPER major; Rajheem Jamison, senior exercise science major with a coaching minor; and Taylor Willis, senior BSE HPER major.

Seven undergraduate students, one graduate student, and three faculty members from Delta State University participated in the 85^th Mississippi Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD) conference at University of Southern Mississippi-Long Beach on Nov. 2-3.

Presentations made:

• John Alvarez, associate professor in the Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER): “Wearable Devices: Where Do They Fit?”
• Todd Davis, assistant professor in HPER: “Perceived Outdoor Recreation Participation Barriers of College-Aged African Americans in Mississippi” and “Trends & Problems in Health, Recreation, and Physical Activity Programs: A Virtual Research Poster Presentation”
• Britnee Smith, instructor in HPER: “Mississippi: Microadventure Mecca!”
• Katie Gennarelli, graduate assistant for outdoor programs: “Gender Equality in the Outdoor Adventure & Recreation Industry”

Delta State students won the college student “superstar” award and physical education teacher education major Jonathan Kent received the 2018 MAHPERD Outstanding Student Award.

“This is a great platform to provide early exposure for our students to the professional association,” said Smith, who serves on MAHPERD’s college council.

“For me, as a graduate assistant and student in HPER, it’s great to be able to present at a local conference, network with other professionals, and see the whole landscape of work in the health, physical education, recreation, and dance field,” agreed Gennarelli.

“It is an excellent opportunity to for us to present research, share ideas, and be a local advocate for our field in a state that needs health and wellness avocation the most,” added Davis.

Caption: Left to right: Josh Carter, junior BSE HPER major; Stephen Phelps, junior BSE HPER major; Madison Wages, senior BSE HPER major; Victoria Granberry, junior exercise science major; Britnee Smith, instructor and coordinator of physical education teacher education; Jonathan Kent, BSE HPER major; Rajheem Jamison, senior exercise science major with a coaching minor; and Taylor Willis, senior BSE HPER major.