Several alumni and current students joined our first EdD in KIN Wine Down and Armchair Expert social event of the academic year. The event began with casual conversation and light networking amongst attendees, followed by formal introductions that included everyone’s least favorite ice cream flavors. A variety of flavors were suggested that shocked the other guests. From hearing their favorite flavor or combo mentioned, to those that love every flavor of ice cream, this served a chilling ice breaker. We then transitioned seamlessly into the Armchair Experts portion of the evening.
Our first armchair expert, Cece Biesecker shared her expertise in Yoga, its potential integration into youth curriculum, and facilitated a FREE trial. That was an extremely welcome stretch after a long day.
Tracy Bonoffski followed up by delivering a full 411 on fly fishing in Western North Carolina including tips, tricks, even down to how to acquire fishing sticks. She connected it beautifully to Cece’s presentation with the need for a passion outside of the classroom and away from the office; an activity in which to find peace.
Dr. Dennis Johnson then presented on providing an optimal youth sport experience, especially through wrestling, with the inclusion of modified Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) values. Dennis came to appreciate this framework and approach through his work in the EdD program with Dr. Tom Martinek and Project Effort. He connected his dissertation (which focused on grant preparation) to the practical applications of his work today. Dennis holds the distinction of being the first EdD in KIN graduate after the program took a transitional hiatus from 1987-1996 to redesign its educational offerings. To learn more about the history of the EdD program, please visit this link.
Kristi Wallace served as our fourth and final expert of the evening. Kristi presented her work in Employee Wellbeing at the county level. From the introduction of data collection metrics to exemplify R.O.I. to the innovation of the county Employee Assistance Program; there has been an abundance of improvements to the department that align with Kristi’s research in the EdD program. As most of you know, the EdD in KIN is a family first and focused program, so we were delighted to be joined by Kristi’s young children.
Every presenter was given 5 minutes for their presentation and then the audience was given the opportunity for Q&A with the expert. The armchair experts segment allowed for structured conversation that was still casual, fun, and informative. Interested in finding your own armchair expertise within Kinesiology? Visit our EdD in Kinesiology webpage to learn about the program.
If you are interested in serving as an Armchair Expert in a future session, or have any ideas for future socials or professional development events, please reach out to GPCLASSPETE@UNCG.EDU.