Worrell elected president-elect of national association

Vicki J. Worrell, associate professor of health, physical education and recreation at Emporia State University, is the new president-elect of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Worrell was elected at the organization’s national convention in Tampa, Fla.

With origins dating back to 1885, AAHPERD is the largest organization of professionals supporting and assisting those involved in physical education, leisure, fitness, dance, health promotion and education, and all specialties related to achieving a healthy lifestyle.

As a national spokesperson for the American Alliance, Worrell will be addressing the organization’s role in advocating for “well-balanced high quality daily physical education programs in our nation’s schools so that all children are given the opportunity to achieve their physical and academic potential,” she explained.

Worrell, a 30-year member of the Alliance, supports marketing and advocacy efforts of the Alliance and other national associations that emphasize that physical activity is critical in improving the health, fitness, and well being of people of all ages.

“It is essential that the Alliance develop collaborations with organizations of similar missions, such as the American Cancer Society, and develop partnerships with community professionals such as pediatric physicians to address such national issues as the obesity crisis, cost of health care and decrease in physical activity,” said Worrell. “We must all work together to confirm that coordinated school health programs and required daily quality physical education, recreation, dance and sport really do make a difference in contributing to physically active lifestyles,” she said.

Since becoming a member of AAHPERD in 1975, Worrell has served in numerous leadership roles for the organization at state and national levels.

Throughout her career, her peers have often recognized Worrell’s work. She received the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (KAHPERD) Honor Award, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) Joy of Effort Award, the Central District Honor Award, the AAHPERD Honor Award, and was recognized as the 1993 NASPE National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

In recent years, the KAHPERD Service Award was renamed the Vicki J. Worrell Service Award in honor of Vicki’s dedication to service. According to Dr. Kathy Ermler, ESU’s Health, Physical Education and Recreation department chair, “Vicki Worrell serves the profession with passion and integrity.”

Worrell received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from Wichita State University,  a master’s in physical education from the University of Kansas, and her Ed.D. in applied educational studies from Oklahoma State University.

AAHPERD provides its more than 50,000 members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills and to further the health and well-being of the American public. The agency is headquartered in Reston, Va., 25 miles west of Washington, D.C.

Last Updated April 27, 2009>