FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
University of Central Missouri Professor Dennis Docheff Named President-Elect of National Educators Organization
RESTON, VA, April 2, 2010 –– Dr. Dennis Docheff, professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO, was recently elected president-elect of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), at its national convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The mission of NASPE, a nonprofit professional education association, is to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. NASPE, which has been setting the standard for the profession for over 35 years, believes that daily physical activity is critical to improved school and work performance and the health of individuals.
As a national spokesperson for NASPE, Dr. Docheff will be promoting physical education and sport through NASPE activities, and promoting, monitoring, and lending expertise to all NASPE sub structure projects to tackle obesity in children and health-related problems, and the importance of physical activity for everyone.
"The quality people and programs of NASPE have provided me with many professional growth opportunities," said Dr. Docheff. "It is an honor to lead an organization that serves the entire country by advocating for quality programs in sport and physical education. From providing standards for teachers and coaches, encouraging appropriate practices, offering workshops and publication materials, and more—NASPE sets the standard!"
Dr. Docheff has been at the University of Central Missouri since 2001 where he has been both a professor and an associate professor and served as the department chair from 2001-2003. Prior to 2001, Docheff was an associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Concordia University in Me¬quon, WI (1999-2001); an associate professor in the Department of Physical Education at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY (1996-99); a teacher, counselor, and coach at Elma School District and Montesano School District in Washington (1991-96); Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Chair at Whitworth College in Spokane, WA (1990-91); Assistant Professor of Physical Education at Eastern Washington University (1987-90); and Principal, Athletic Director, and coach of Unified School District #365 in Garnett, KS (85-87).
A graduate of Whitworth University with a bachelor of art degree in physical education and a master of education degree in school administration, he received his doctorate of education degree in physical education curriculum and administration from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Docheff has been published well over 100 times, and has had another 149 presentations. Among his other professional achievements, he was the president of the AAHPERD Central District and a member of its Structure and Function Committee, Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship Committee, Site Selection Committee, Executive Director Evaluation Committee, and Financial Advisement Committee. He also served as an editor or reviewer on several professional journals, including both JOPERD and Strategies, and has coached sports on all levels, including football (16 years), basketball (12), track (seven), fencing, golf, and volleyball.
He has received numerous awards and appointments throughout his career. Dr. Docheff received AAHPERD's 2009 Central District Honor Award and the 2005 Scholar Award from the Missouri AHPERD. He was also nom¬inated for both the Byler Distinguished Faculty Award and Governor's Excellence in Teaching Award in 2008 from the University of Central Missouri.
A NASPE/AAHPERD member since 1992, Dr. Docheff has served on NASPE's Sport Steering Committee (2007-08), Sports Award Com¬mittee (2007-09), Coaches Council (2005-07), Coaching Standards Revision Team (2002-05), and was a Cabinet Member/Convention Coordinator (1999-2002). He is also a member of AAHPERD's Stra¬tegic Planning Committee (2008-11) and was a delegate to the AAHPERD Assembly eight different times.
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Contact:
Paula Kun
pkun@aahperd.org
703-476-3461
The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE?s 15,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, administrators, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare professionals in these areas. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high-quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). For more information, visit www.naspeinfo.org.
AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.