(L to R) Jake Kight, Louisville; LaTonya Fields, Cleveland; Robin Moody, Aveley, England.CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University Division of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation hosted the 90th Mississippi Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) Convention at DSU on November 2 and 3. The organization is made up of Mississippi educators, administrators, coaches, and young professionals involved in all aspects of health, physical education, recreation, and dance.
Dr. John Alvarez, Interim Chair of HPER at DSU said, “The convention is an opportunity for professionals in the k-12 and higher education setting to come together to advocate for the importance of physical activity, health, and physical education, share research, and receive professional development.”
The keynote speaker for the convention was Dr. Gina Mabrey. Mabrey has served in various roles at Jacksonville State University (JSU) throughout her tenure. She was appointed to the chair of JSU’s Exercise Science & Wellness (ESW) undergraduate program where she spearheaded the restructuring of the ESW curriculum to better serve students. In 2013 she was selected as Department Chair for HPER, which was later renamed the Department of Kinesiology in 2014.
Britnee Smith, HPER Instructor at DSU and MAHPERD president said, “Having the opportunity to bring so many passionate professionals in the field of health, physical education, recreation, and dance together on the Delta State campus was such an amazing experience. The event was great for our students to collaborate and make connections in the professional realm.”
The Superstars Competition is a student contest where teams from different universities and colleges from across the state compete in mental, physical, and cooperative challenges related to the field of physical education. The team with the highest point total from all three challenges wins and takes home the traveling Superstars Trophy. This year the DSU team comprised of Jake Kight from Louisville, LaTonya Fields from Cleveland and Robin Moody from Aveley, England won the trophy.
Alvarez said, “It is always exciting to host the convention at Delta State University where professionals from the state and region can share their expertise, and knowledge in the field of health, physical education, recreation, and dance with other professionals and future professionals.”
For more information about the DSU HPER program, visit www.deltastate.edu/education-and-human-sciences/health-physical-education-recreation/.
