This story highlights two of our EdD in Kin Faculty, Dr. Omari Dyson and Dr. Michael Hemphill.

Dr. Dyson was invited to design a presentation centered on sexual assault prevention and mindfulness at the annual Health Fair, hosted by members of the School of Nursing. It focused on providing fun, interactive activities alongside critical information on health topics and the future of healthcare. The event was open to the UNCG and Greensboro communities, fostering a collaborative and educational atmosphere. The students who attended Dr. Dyson’s presentation appeared impressed and reflective, recognizing the importance of reducing personal distractions and understanding how to protect themselves from potential threats. Their engagement suggested a heightened awareness of how mindfulness and self-defense can contribute to personal safety and overall well-being. Dr. Dyson believes engaging in self-defense helps individuals remain grounded, connected to their environment, and proactive in preserving their health and security. It also fosters a sense of respect, personal growth, and resilience. These scenarios promote mindfulness, situational awareness, and empowerment, which are critical in navigating life’s challenges and vulnerabilities.


Dr. Michael Hemphill is an author of the recently published SHAPE America book, Qualitative Research and Evaluation in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. Co-authors include Dr. Kevin Andrew Richards and Dr. Paul Wright. The original idea of writing the book came from Dr. Richards and Dr. Hemphill wanting to focus on practical applications of qualitative research. The intended audience is the field of physical activity, from a sport pedagogy and physical education background. This book is a major development in the advancement of qualitative – and all – research methods in physical education pedagogy. Listen to the SHAPE America podcast to hear the authors give insight to the book, history, the structure of the book, and what K-12 teachers can take away from it. There are resources for teaching, like discussion questions, a test bank, and an example syllabus. The book is available for purchase here.
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