Congratulations are in order for ten Ed.D. in KIN students who defended their dissertations virtually. A virtual defense was in the plans the entire time, but no one would have predicted that students, faculty, and staff would be arranging defenses during a global pandemic. However, with all of the challenges present, students were able to successfully defend their high quality dissertation projects.
Some of the topics included:
- Adolescent movement quality in Physical Education
- Health of Former DI Women’s Soccer Players
- Promotion of Physical Activity in the Physical Therapy Setting
- Physical Education for Language Acquisition

This account from student Amanda Durall perfectly captures what it means to be an Ed.D. in KIN student here at UNCG.
“My dissertation year was a crazy experience to say the least. I had twin girls in January of 2020. I finished my dissertation in between countless trips to the NICU. The girls came home in February, meaning I had to prepare for my defense while caring for two newborns. Add in the sleep deprivation and I was nervous, to put it lightly. On the day of the defense, which was in the middle of a global pandemic, everyone got a good laugh out of my “office” which was the backseat of my minivan. Aside from finishing my doctorate, all of these other factors made for an absolutely unforgettable experience – one that I can’t wait to share with my girls someday.”
Congratulations! We’re very excited to see all that you will accomplish! Us here in the Ed.D. in KIN program wish everyone a happy and healthy few months ahead.
- Dr. Amanda Durall
- Dr. Christine Rockey
- Dr. Randall Lazicki
- Dr. Lynda Butler-Storsved
- Dr. Troy Coppus
- Dr. Melissa Goines
- Dr. Anna Winstead
- Dr. Marcia Rosiek
- Dr. Sean Preuss
- Dr. Shannon Cross