Member Highlight

NAGWS would like to shine the spotlight on Sharon L. Shields, Ph.D. Dr. Shields has been a member of NAGWS for 45 years since she was a Freshman in college. Dr. Shields is a Past President of NAGWS, an AAHPERD Board of Governors member, a 2011 Presidential Award Recipient, and a 2010 Honor Award Recipient.

Dr. Shields has had many mentors who have helped guide her on her path as an NAGWS member. She lists those mentors are Dr. Lois Massey, Dr. Sue Hall, Ms. Sherill Brakemeier, Dr. Kathy Black, Dr. Vivian Acosta, Dr. Linda Carpenter, Dr. Halley Beth Poindexter, and many more. She joined AAHPERD because of the networking opportunities available to her. Joining AAHPERD also gave her opportunities for leadership and professional development. She values the friendships she has made from her membership in NAGWS. She also values the opportunities she has had to make a difference in health, physical education, and sport opportunities for all. When speaking about the opportunities she says "I have enjoyed all of the opportunities that AAHPERD and NAGWS has afforded me to be on the national scene related to Title IX and I have many fond memories over the years of serving in an activist role on this issue."

She offers this advice to new professionals about being a member " I believe it is important to enhance your professional development by "being present" with other professionals who share the same passion and vision for the profession as you do. It serves us well to engage with others and develop networks of professional and personal friendships within the profession. It is also important to share your ideas for improved teaching, service, and research with your colleagues so that we can all benefit from your perspectives and insights. AAHPERD and NAGWS is such a forum where you can have that exchange of ideas, you can network with others, and you can both grow professionally and grow the profession."