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KRSS Awards 2020

 

Student Awards

Dr. Plotnicki was a faculty member in Physical Education.  He was a long time track official and was instrumental in organizing competitive collegiate handball on a national scale. The Ben A. Plotnicki plaque is inscribed with the words “Run in the Race, Run for the prize, Run with a purpose, Inspire others to do the same.” It is awarded to one or more undergraduates who demonstrate professional promise and personal growth. Criteria include students who demonstrate integrity, responsibility, dedication to principle and fitness of mind, body and spirit.

Marisa VarroneMarisa Varrone – Kinesiology
Undergraduate

Marisa was extremely thoughtful about the projects at hand and asked thought-provoking questions that went well beyond the basic surface-level understanding. She showed a true interest in research and was eager to learn. As an undergraduate student, she already demonstrated the critical thinking necessary at the graduate level and beyond. Marisa is well prepared for the rigors of medical school and has the passion and drive needed to succeed at the highest level. 

 

Kenny MillerKenny Miller – Sport Management
Undergraduate
Kenny Miller always presents himself in a professional manner, contributes to class discussions, and sets the standard for young professionals in the Sport Management program. Kenny participated in the Melton Scholar Undergraduate Research Program and developed a statistical ticket pricing model to maximize customer value and stadium revenue and also led a project for the Tennessee Athletic DepartmentKenny’s professional goal is to pursue a career in sport analytics, and he has prepared himself extremely well for this career by majoring in both Sport Management and Business Administration (Business Analytics).

 

Emily Sykes

Emily Sykes – Therapeutic Recreation
Undergraduate

Emily Sykes has done a tremendous job representing KRSS and the University of Tennessee’s Women’s Swim team by helping them to win the first SEC championship in the program’s history. She has earned SEC academic honors and has been on the Dean’s List. Emily has balanced being an outstanding student and an accomplished athlete. She has clearly demonstrated both professional promise and personal growth during her time at UT. 

Dr. Venable was a faculty member who taught physical education and recreation. “Big Sam,” as he was affectionately known, had a passion for community service and this award in his name recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate commitment to the University and their profession through service.  Criteria include professional orientation, leadership roles, and work experience.  

Myles FisherMyles Fisher- Kinesiology
Undergraduate

Myles Fisher has served as a volunteer research assistant, spending many hours providing help with data collection and entry. He recently received an Undergraduate Student Research award Myles serves as a student representative on the KRSS Department Head’s Student Advisory Board and has volunteered with the Volunteers for Christ program and at Sarah Moore Green Elementary. Myles is an extremely well-rounded student with achievements in the classroom, the research laboratory, and service to UTK and the community.   

 

Claire TempleClaire Temple – Sport Management
Undergraduate

Claire has simply done it all while at Tennessee. She has worked with the Nashville Predators, coached a high school swim team, and worked in the Tennessee Athletic Department. She has worked with the Tennessee Swimming & Diving team, the Tennessee Fund, and has worked at numerous SEC Championships.  She has compiled an impressive resume and has truly developed as a sport management professional. She spent the summer of 2018 studying abroad at the University of Canberra in Australia. Claire has served as a mentor for elementary school-aged girls at Emerald Youth Foundation and served as the director of Community Service and Philanthropy for Chi Omega Pi. 

 

Emma Barnhart

Emma Barnhart – Therapeutic Recreation
Undergraduate

Emma Barnhart demonstrates her commitment to the University and her profession through both her work and volunteer efforts. Emma exhibits a sincere interest in humanity through her work with the therapeutic recreation camps for youth and adults with disabilities and in her work with the Koinonia Foundation’s “We Adapt” programs. Not only has she demonstrated outstanding contributions to the campus through her role as Vice President of the Therapeutic Recreation Student Association but to the surrounding community through her leadership role as an intern with the Koinonia Foundation. 

Dr. Capen was a member of the Physical Education Faculty who was instrumental in the development of its graduate programs. The award named in his honor recognizes one or more graduating doctoral students who have excelled in research activities.  Recipients must have a minimum of two presentations at professional meetings, or one publication in a refereed journal. 

Zachary Smith

Zachary Smith – Sport Management
PhD Candidate

Zachary Smith has had a high level of research productivity. To date, he has published seven manuscripts in high quality, refereed journals and also has one published book chapter to his credit and two accepted for publication. Mr. Smith has made 15 refereed presentations (first author on 11) at major conferences and was selected as a member of the 2020 American Examples working group hosted by the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama. To aid in bolstering his research skills Mr. Smith served as a research assistant for the Center for the Study of Sport and Religion. Mr. Smith has accepted a position as an assistant professor at The Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg where he will teach sport studies and conduct research. 

 

Paul Hibbing

Paul Hibbing – Exercise Physiology
PhD Candidate

Paul Hibbing has been actively involved in research at UTK, publishing 26 manuscripts. Paul, has not only developed into an independent investigator during his time at UTK, he is an exceptional team player. His ability to work in a collaborative manner and make connections has been a key factor in his ability to publish at a high rate. Paul has also had 24 presentations at national/international conferences and eight presentations at regional conferences. After graduation, he will begin a Post-Doctoral position at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. 

Dr. Andrew J. Kozar was department head of Men’s Physical Education from 1966 to the mid-1970s. He later served in the UT President’s office under Ed Boling (1975-1986), before returning to the faculty. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Kozar helped create the Southeast chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine. He also curated a collection of the sport sculptures of R. Tait McKenzie, and wrote a book about University of Tennessee football and one of its legendary coaches, General Robert Neyland. It is with great pride and a loving memory that we present this award. It recognizes one or more graduate students in Kinesiology for excellence /potential in research and writing.

Paul HibbingPaul Hibbing – Exercise Physiology
PhD Candidate
Paul Hibbing has been actively involved in research at UTK, publishing 26 manuscripts. Paul, has not only developed into an independent investigator during his time at UTK, he is an exceptional team player. His ability to work in a collaborative manner and make connections has been a key factor in his ability to publish at a high rate. Paul has also had 24 presentations at national/international conferences and eight presentations at regional conferences. After graduation, he will begin a Post-Doctoral position at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. 

 

Samuel LaMunionSamuel LaMunion – Exercise Physiology
PhD Candidate
Sam LaMunion has been actively involved in research at UTK, publishing 11 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He has also had 19 presentations at national/international conferences and 11 presentations at regional conferences. Sam was lead presenter on 15 of the presentations, three of which at international conferences. Sam has developed into an independent researcher and is excellent at working in collaborative environments. He is also an excellent mentor to undergraduate researchers working in the lab. After he graduation, he will begin a post-doctoral position in metabolism research at the National Institutes of Health. 

A.W. Hobt was a former Professor and Head of the Department of Physical Education, and gave more than forty years of effort to the department and the physical education program at the University of Tennessee.  Mr. Hobt was vitally interested in superior programs in physical education and excellence in teaching at all levels of learning in the state of Tennessee.  Hundreds of former students, colleagues, alumni, and friends have made contributions in appreciation, recognition and the perpetuation of the previously mentioned ideals through the A.W. Hobt Memorial Teaching Award.  Winners of the Hobt Award are Graduate Teaching Associates in the Physical Education Activity Program who score the highest among their colleagues on the Student Assessment of Instruction System question # 4 “instructor’s effectiveness in teaching material.”   

Avery Blankenburg

 

 

Avery Blankenburg
Master’s Candidate
Therapeutic Recreation

 

 

Kaylee Woodard

 

 

Kaylee Woodard
PhD Candidate
Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior

 

 

 

Lindsey Miossi

 

 

Lindsey Miossi
PhD Candidate
Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior

 

 

 

This award recognizes a GTA (Graduate Teaching Associate) in the Department who displays that Special Volunteer Spirit that motivates other students to achieve their potential. Many of you know that Ms. Boroviak was the organizer of Big Orange Friday in our department during the football season which still exists today. 

Matt Jones

Matt Jones – Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior
PhD Candidate
Matt Jones has been an outstanding GTA with the PEAP program since he set foot on the UT campus.  His positive attitude—actually, his world-dominatingly cheerful attitude—has made a strong impact on everyone who has come in contact with him.  He has gone above and beyond the call of duty, whether it was repainting the GTA Office, doing prep work for GTA instructor scheduling because he knew Margy was buried in other work,  cleaning and organizing closets and the weight room, or just supporting everyone around him. He served as a sounding board for Margy for ideas for the program, substituted for other instructors, and helped to mentor new GTAs.  Matt is an amazing human being.  He will be sorely missed as he continues on to his next great adventure. 

This award is given to a graduate or undergraduate student(s) in the Therapeutic Recreation concentration who has made a significant contribution to his or her chosen profession. 

Camryn CuppCamryn Cupp – Therapeutic Recreation
Undergraduate
Camryn Cupp has been an outstanding student boasting an extraordinarily high GPA as a Recreation and Sport Management major with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. She has been heavily involved in the program’s service learning opportunities and was instrumental in furthering recreational and sport opportunities to the refugee population in Knoxville. Camryn embodies the Edith Jessop Spirit and has been a tremendous advocate for individuals with disabilities and plans to become an occupational therapist. 

Dr. Peters was a former head of the Recreation and Leisure Studies department. She had a passion for scholarship, and this Scholar Award in her name recognizes a Therapeutic Recreation student with strong scholarship and outstanding service.   

Rachel ClifftRachel Clifft – Therapeutic Recreation
Undergraduate
Rachel Clifft embodies the Martha Peters Award with an impressive GPA as a Recreation and Sport Management major with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. In addition to her impressive GPA, Rachel has completed an undergraduate research project that examined the role volunteering has on college students’ mental health and will be presenting her research at EUReCA. Rachel has served as president of TRSA and will be attending Indiana University Bloomington in the fall for graduate studies. 

This award recognizes a student who has been involved with the Camp Koinonia program and exhibited extraordinary leadership. It is awarded to a student who has gone well above and beyond the call of duty that is normally expected. 

Kelset Webb

Kelsey Webb – Therapeutic Recreation
MS Candidate

Kelsey is the shining star that has led the Camp Koinonia program this year! Kelsey has displayed extraordinary leadership in preparation for camp as well as helped bring the camp spirit to our campers and staff in light of camp’s cancellation this year. Kelsey has done an extraordinary job of training our future camp directors. Kelsey goes above and beyond what is expected in all that she does and has done a phenomenal job of bringing new ideas to the camp program. Kelsey raises the bar high for future directors. 

The Koinonia Graduate Assistantship was created through the generosity of a family foundation that has been an incredible supporter of Camp Koinonia.  It is awarded to a top graduate student who is selected by the Therapeutic Recreation faculty to assist with Camp Koinonia and affiliated programs.

Sophie Lowe

Sophie Lowe –  Therapeutic Recreation

MS Candidate

Sophie Lowe graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee.  She has been actively involved with Camp Koinonia and Camp Oginali for a number of years, as well as the UT campus community.  She was a member of the Campus Events Board, and a resident leader at the Wesley Foundation, where she worked with youth as a volunteer. Additionally, Sophie has served as “Note Taker” for Student Disability Services. Ms. Lowe has served as a personal support and respite care provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, underscoring her compassion toward families of persons with disabilities.  Relative to Ms. Lowe’s contribution to her faith community, she serves as one of the worship coordinators for Delight Ministries located in Nashville, Tennessee.  Finally, Ms. Lowe has shown her leadership ability during Camp Koinonia and the Therapeutic Recreation Month initiative.

James Rosenberg-William Rosenberg Family Foundation Sport Management Scholarship Award is intended to reward those students exemplifying engagement in the sport management major and scholastic achievement.  

Grace Walker

Gracyn “Grace” Walker – Sport Management
Undergraduate
Grace Walker is a junior studying sports management with a minor in business administration. Grace is interested in pursuing a career goal as an NFL agent, but she also wants the opportunity to work in community outreach and player relations with an agency. Grace has been interning at A3, a sports agency in Knoxville since 2019. She has had a great deal of responsibility at A3, including helping to start a non-profit division of A3 called ABC foundation.  This is Grace’s second year receiving this award and she has truly demonstrated she is worthy of the award. 

Academic Achievement Awards

Hope Wooten – Kinesiology

Caleb Wilson – Sport Management

Rebekah Burks – Therapeutic Recreation

Sybil Mandle – Kinesiology

James JacobsSport Management

Terra Jo Blanton – Therapeutic Recreation

Rachel Clifft – Therapeutic Recreation

Additional Student Award Recognitions

The annual scholar awards honor a select number of students from member departments, recommended by department faculty, whose academic and leadership records are distinctive. The awards are intended to recognize and promote academic excellence, to further the professional competence and dedication of academically accomplished students and to promote kinesiology and its related fields.  AKA sponsors awards in four categories: Undergraduate Scholar, Master’s Scholar, Doctoral Scholar, and the Graduate Student Writing

Marisa Varrone

 

Undergraduate Scholar

Marisa Varrone
Undergraduate
Kinesiology

 

 

Minttu Hukka

 

MS Scholar

Minttu Hukka
MS Candidate
Kinesiology – Exercise Physiology

 

Paul Hibbing

 

Doctoral Scholar

Paul Hibbing
PhD Candidate
Kinesiology – Exercise Physiology

 

 

Zachary Smith

 

Writing Award

Zachary T. Smith
PhD Candidate
Sport Management

 

 

 

The Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) Foundation offers a scholarship for graduate students or early career scholar members who wish to attend the AASP 2020 Annual Conference to present their work. This travel award is sponsored by Human Kinetics publishing company.

Lindsey Miossi

 

 

Lindsey Miossi
PhD Candidate
Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior

 

 

 

Arturo Jaime Morales, Jr.

Arturo Jaime Morales Jr. – Sport Management

MS Candidate

Arturo Jaime Morales Jr. (MS student in Sport Management) – Recipient of the Gary Sailes Graduate Diversity Scholarship awarded by the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (NASSS). Morales was presented with the award at the annual NASSS conference, held on Nov. 6-9, 2019 in Virginia Beach, Va. A native of Longmont, Colo., Morales is pursuing dual master’s degrees in sport management and sociology with an expected graduation date of May 2020. He is currently working on a thesis that examines media coverage of Jonathan González, a U.S.-born Mexican-American soccer player who competes for the men’s Mexican National Soccer Team. More information about the award can be found on the following site: https://nasss.org/awards/graduate-diversity-scholarship/

This research award from the Office of Research and Engagement is in support of Ms. Chloe Jones’ thesis study, “Characteristics and Strategies of Young African American Women who Maintain Physical Activity.”  Ms. Jones is a second-year master’s student in the Exercise Physiology Ms. Jones is advised by Dr. Lyndsey Hornbuckle, who is directing the proposed research study.

Chloe Jones

Chloe Jones
MS Candidate
Kinesiology- Exercise Physiology

Recipient of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Office of Research & Engagement (ORE), Summer Graduate Research Assistantship in Summer 2019.

 

Chloe Jones

 

Chloe Jones
MS Candidate
Kinesiology- Exercise Physiology

 

 

Lyndsey Hornbuckle-Lampkin

 

Lyndsey Hornbuckle-Lampkin, PhD, RD

Faculty
Kinesiology- Exercise Physiology

 

 

 

 

 

Faculty Awards

George F. Brady Teaching Award is meant to recognize excellence in teaching by a full-time faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies.  

Dr. Jason Scott

 

 

 

Jason Scott
Assistant Professor
Therapeutic Recreation

 

 

Faculty Nomination Narrative: 

Dr. Scott has evolved into the consummate educator. He has proven himself pedagogically. More importantly he has gained the trust and confidence of his students and colleagues.  Not only has Dr. Scott received outstanding evaluation scores from the students, they also praise him for this energy during class, his flexibility, preparedness, and passion for the material and student success.  Dr. Scott’s colleagues have also recognized his effectiveness as a teacher including his use of research to enhance the classroom material and his professional style and level of expertise while instructing his classes.  Dr. Jason L. Scott has proven himself to be an outstanding educator who is worthy of receiving the George F. Brady Teaching Award. 

Student Nomination Narrative: 

Dr. Scott is a great lecturer. He has an unorthodox style, but he engages students and gets them to be active participants in class. He also aides in outside activities as well. He organized speakers for TR month, got the wheelchairs for adaptive recreation classes, and helped us paint the rock. Dr. Scott not only has a passion for teaching, but a passion for guiding students and putting them in the best positions to be successful.  

 

Special Recognition

Larry BrownWe would like to give a special recognition to Mr. Larry Brown, who retired from the University of Tennessee in March, 2020.  Larry was the coordinator for Therapeutic Recreation practicums and internships for many years, and he also taught Tai Chi classes through the Physical Education Activity Program (PEAP).  In addition, he served as the Master of Ceremonies for the KRSS Spring Awards Ceremony.  We would like to thank him for his many years of dedicated service to the university, and extend our best wishes to him and his wife Becky in retirement.

 

Click here for the pdf of the KRSS 2020 Awards Celebration Program.