Posted on January 21, 2026
What’s great is they don’t take much space or much equipment, and you can modify them. They don’t take a lot of time, you can take a quick break and get some movement in.
Dr. Anne Brady, Professor of Kinesiology
Posted on January 14, 2026
At the heart of it all, mentoring is about relationships. I work hard to see my mentees as people first.
Dr. Jocelyn Smith Lee, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies
Posted on December 11, 2025
This (graduation) honor isn’t just mine; it’s (my family’s), as well. My dad worked super hard to give me these opportunities, to have what he never had. And my mom dreamed of going to school. This is all for them. I’m beyond grateful.
Katherine “Kat” Reyes, 2025 Kinesiology graduate
Posted on December 08, 2025
The UNCG Department of Kinesiology continues to leave a lasting impact across higher education. At the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, several UNCG alumni are now shaping the future of health and human performance. Dr. Yanhua Shen, Dr. Brittany Belcher, Dr. Ray Schweighardt, and Dr. Cody Sanders each bring unique expertise, energy, and student-centered leadership to the Exercise Science and Kinesiology programs.
Together, they exemplify how the mentorship, scholarship, and community fostered at UNCG continue to thrive well beyond Greensboro, creating lasting influence in classrooms, labs, and communities throughout Southwest Virginia.
Dr. Yanhua Shen is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, where he teaches courses in exercise science and health while leading community-based research that connects education and movement. His work focuses on partnering with local schools and sports programs to promote healthy, active lifestyles among youth. Yanhua has also developed soccer-based initiatives that support students’ physical, social, and emotional development, reflecting his lifelong passion for sport as a tool for positive change. At UVA Wise, he finds purpose in helping students see how exercise science can directly benefit their communities and enjoys watching research translate into meaningful, real-world outcomes. His commitment to teaching, mentorship, and community impact was recently recognized with the 2024–2025 Rising Star Award, given to faculty within their first five years who exemplify excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
Yanhua earned his PhD in Kinesiology from UNC Greensboro, where he studied under Dr. Ben Dyson and gained extensive experience conducting school-based and community-engaged research. He also learned from faculty across the department, including Dr. Chen, Dr. Martinek, Dr. Karper, Dr. Hemphill, Dr. Brown, and Dr. Daniels, who collectively shaped his approach to teaching, leadership, and collaboration. His time at UNCG strengthened his ability to design research that bridges theory and practice and inspired the student-centered philosophy he continues to bring to his work at UVA Wise.
Dr. Brittany Russell-Belcher is an Assistant Professor in Kinesiology, where she teaches courses across Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education Teacher Education (HPETE), and Sport Management. A Wise County native and UVA Wise alum, Brittany brings more than a decade of experience teaching and coaching in public education to her role. Returning to her home community makes her position especially meaningful, as she now helps prepare the next generation of educators, coaches, and health professionals who will serve the region. Her approach to teaching blends real-world experience with a deep understanding of the local culture, allowing her to connect with students in ways that inspire both personal and professional growth.
Brittany earned her EdD in Kinesiology from UNC Greensboro, where the mentorship and community she found were transformative for her career. She credits the program with expanding her professional network, building lasting collaborations, and instilling the confidence to step into higher education. The support she received from faculty and peers shaped how she now mentors her own students, creating a classroom environment where they feel valued, encouraged, and capable of success. Brittany continues to draw from the relationships and lessons formed at UNCG, both in her teaching and through ongoing research collaborations with fellow alumni and faculty.
Dr. Ray Schweighardt is an Associate Professor of Physical Education, teaching across the Exercise Science and Physical Education programs. Now in his ninth year at UVA Wise, Ray plays a key role in preparing future physical educators, physical therapists, and health professionals through hands-on, student-centered instruction. Having worked in education for nearly two decades before earning his doctorate, he brings a depth of experience that helps bridge theory and practice for his students. Ray emphasizes meeting students where they are; maintaining high expectations while ensuring they have the support and background knowledge to succeed. Known for his creative and compassionate approach, he incorporates writing development and reflective learning into his classes, empowering students to find confidence and purpose in their work.
Ray earned his PhD in Kinesiology from UNC Greensboro, specializing in pedagogical kinesiology under the mentorship of Dr. Catherine Ennis and Dr. Ang Chen. His time at UNCG gave him invaluable teaching experience early in his doctoral journey, serving as the primary instructor for multiple courses within his first year. Those opportunities, he notes, helped shape the educator he is today. Beyond the classroom, he coached the UNCG women’s club volleyball teams, an experience he describes as one of the most rewarding parts of his graduate years. The mentorship, community, and leadership experiences he gained at UNCG continue to influence his teaching philosophy at UVA Wise, where he strives to model the same passion and professionalism he once saw in his own professors.
Dr. Cody Sanders is an Associate Professor of Physical Education and the Kinesiology Program Coordinator at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Since joining the faculty in 2014, she has led the transformation of the kinesiology program from a single major into four distinct majors: Health and Physical Education, Sport Management, Health and Wellness, and Exercise Science. Through her leadership, Cody has elevated the program’s academic rigor and reputation while building a strong, student-centered culture that emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement. She has also been instrumental in recruiting fellow UNCG alumni, Dr. Ray Schweighardt, Dr. Eddie Shen, and Dr. Brittany Russell-Belcher, to join the growing program. In addition to her teaching and administrative roles, Cody develops partnerships that provide internship experiences for students and continues to advocate for new facilities, including a future exercise physiology lab on campus.
Cody earned her PhD in Kinesiology from UNC Greensboro, where she studied community sport development under Dr. Tom Martinek. She credits her UNCG experience with shaping her philosophy as an educator, emphasizing mentorship, collaboration, and high expectations. The relationships and guidance she received from faculty such as Dr. Pam Brown, Dr. Diane Gill, Dr. Aaron Terranova, and Dr. Cathy Ennis continue to inspire her work. Today, Cody carries forward the same commitment to student success and professional growth that first defined her experience as a Spartan.
What makes this story especially meaningful is how these four UNCG alumni have come full circle; reconnecting as colleagues at UVA Wise and building a program grounded in the same values they once shared in Greensboro. Together, Dr. Sanders, Dr. Schweighardt, Dr. Shen, and Dr. Russell-Belcher have created a collaborative, student-centered environment that mirrors the mentorship and innovation of their own training. Their collective efforts continue to extend UNCG’s legacy of excellence in kinesiology, inspiring the next generation of students, educators, researchers, and health professionals across Southwest Virginia.
For more information about the Kinesiology graduate programs, including, EdD and PhD in KIN, visit our website at https://kin.uncg.edu/graduate-degrees/.
Posted on November 18, 2025
When I learned that the Gargoyles were coming to Greensboro, that sparked my interest because I hope to work at a college or professional level after I graduate. I reached out to our clinical coordinator, Lauren Griffin, and we used UNCG’s connections to contact the Gargoyles’ athletic trainer and set up my clinical rotation.
Paige Scaman, a second-year graduate student in the MSAT program
Posted on November 10, 2025
We learned that student veterans valued being a part of a community with others and were shaped by their shared experiences through military training. The strong peer network was lost when they left the military, and many of those we surveyed wanted to connect with other student veterans.
Dr. Erin Reifsteck, Department of Kinesiology chair and UNCG Faculty Fellow for Student Veteran Wellbeing
Posted on October 28, 2025
We’re excited to spotlight Dr. Craig Parkes, a proud graduate of UNCG’s EdD in Kinesiology program (Class of 2018), who recently earned tenure and promotion to Associate Professor at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Parkes serves as the Undergraduate Coordinator for Health and Physical Education and Faculty Advisor for the Health and Physical Education Majors Club.
Dr. Parkes credits much of his professional success to the foundation built through his experience at UNCG. Coming from a teaching background, he shared that the research and dissertation component of the program was instrumental in achieving tenure. “Knowing about publication expectations, impact factors, and being able to design and implement high quality research helped me to get a lot of papers published, with many in top impact factor journals such as Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy and the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education.”
When asked what continues to stand out about his EdD in KIN journey, Dr. Parkes emphasized the lasting mentorship and support from the UNCG faculty. “The faculty were really supportive, and they’re still great mentors even after graduating back in 2018. I always enjoy catching up with them at conferences.”
Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Parkers shared that with tenure and promotion comes more responsibility as he now serves on the department’s tenure and promotion committee, mentors new and incoming faculty, and contributes to several university committees. “I’m excited that I get to work here now until I retire,” he said. “I love working here. I have great students and have always been well supported at the university.”
To learn more about Dr. Parkes and his recent accomplishments, visit the University of South Alabama feature on Facebook.
Visit our website if you are interested in learning more about the EdD in KIN program.
Posted on September 26, 2025
With a career defined by confidence, resilience, and a growth-oriented mindset, Dr. Melanie Rose is no stranger to leadership. Recently, she assumed a new role as Chair of the Kinesiology Department at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas. There, she also serves as an assistant professor and the Employee Wellness Program Coordinator. While this is no small feat, Dr. Rose is not new to juggling various responsibilities.
Before earning her doctorate, Dr. Rose built an impressive career with roles varying across nearly all aspects of health and wellness. She has led fitness and wellness programs at the community, state, regional, and national levels, blending her professional expertise with a servant-leadership approach. From serving as the U.S. Health and Wellbeing Program Manager at an international pharmaceutical and medical device company, to running her own company, Melrose CPR, she has always sought to connect wellness with people’s lived experiences. These efforts align closely with her research interests in chronic stress, trauma-informed fitness experiences, and the psychosocial factors influencing how people engage with exercise. Her dissertation, Good Grief: An Autoethnography of an Instructor’s Quest for Trauma-Informed Enhancements to the Group Fitness Experience (2025), reflects this commitment by exploring the intersection of grief, trauma, and exercise, and how fitness spaces can be reimagined to foster healing and resilience.
Reflecting on her experience in UNCG’s EdD in Kinesiology program, Dr. Rose credits the support from faculty and her cohort for her success. She recalls the willingness of staff to connect and answer questions during her application process to be a deciding factor in choosing the program. Further, the cohort model created a more intimate environment that fostered collaboration and development.
Her biggest lesson, “You’ve got to go get yours,” remains at the forefront of her journey. For Dr. Rose, the phrase is not just about ambition. Instead, it is about refusing victimhood, rejecting herd mentality, and embracing the power of carving out your own path. For her, this meant becoming innovative in her approach, trusting her expertise, and promoting herself, while also celebrating the successes of others. Her self-determination has established her as a dynamic leader grounded in authenticity.
Her advice for students is simple: no question is a dumb one, so ask. Learn how to read and interpret information quickly, stand on your own two feet, lean on your peers for support, and take breaks when needed.
As she looks ahead, Dr. Rose is committed to education and creating spaces where others may grow into their healthiest selves. Her work, both in and outside of the classroom, is a reflection of her belief that wellness is not merely physical but connected to resilience and community.
Congratulations, Dr. Rose!
Visit our website if you are interested in learning more about the EdD in KIN program.
Posted on October 07, 2025
For Kristi Wallace, wellness has always been more than a professional pursuit—it’s her passion. As Randolph County’s Wellness Administrator, Wallace channels her passion into creating programs that encourage employees to live healthier, more balanced lives. From organizing fitness challenges and health screenings to coordinating flu shot clinics and educational workshops, she’s committed to shaping a workplace culture where well-being is both accessible and sustainable.
Dr. Wallace shared that the best part of her role is partnering one-on-one with employees to help them discover creative ways to reach their wellness goals. She stated, “My goal is to build a culture where every employee feels supported, valued, and empowered to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle—both at work and beyond.”
Wallace credits much of her professional growth to her journey in the EdD in Kinesiology program, which she completed in 2023. The advanced coursework deepened her knowledge of exercise science, behavior change, and program evaluation, while also sharpening her ability to make evidence-based decisions. “The program challenged me to think critically, collaborate across disciplines, and translate complex research into real-world impact,” she explained. “The advanced study of exercise science, behavior change, and program evaluation continues to shape the way I design and deliver wellness initiatives for our employees.”
Beyond academics, Wallace highlights the lasting impact of the program’s network. Collaborating with peers, mentors, and experts not only pushed her to grow, but continues to inspire her work. “Earning my EdD in Kinesiology was truly transformative— not just for my career, but for my perspective on leadership and wellness.” For Dr. Wallace, it’s not just about the degree; it’s about the relationships, the perseverance, and the drive to influence positive change.
Outside of her role in Randolph County, Wallace and her husband, Kevin Wallace (c/o 2022), were recently featured in an article about high school football coaches’ families, showcasing the important role wellness and support play both personally and professionally. (The article can be found below.)
Looking back, Wallace describes her EdD experience as a defining chapter in her journey. Looking forward, she remains committed to building innovative, engaging programs that reflect Randolph County’s dedication to employee health and morale.
Visit our website if you are interested in learning more about the EdD in KIN program.
Posted on September 30, 2025
The UNCG EdD in Kinesiology program continues to shape leaders who are making their mark across higher education. Three of our graduates — Dr. Tracy Bonoffski, Dr. Darnell Clark, and Dr. Kim Clark — have all landed roles at UNC Charlotte, where they bring their expertise, leadership, and passion for student success to the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences. Together, they demonstrate the reach of the EdD in KIN and the collaborative spirit that thrives among our alumni.
Dr. Tracy Bonoffski
Tracy Bonoffski (EdD, MS, RD, CEP, CSSD) has been part of UNC Charlotte for nearly two decades and now serves as Graduate Program Director for the MS in Kinesiology — Clinical Exercise Physiology and Applied Physiology concentration, as well as a Senior Lecturer. Her deep clinical and teaching experience, along with ACSM certifications, directly align with the graduate program she leads. Tracy highlights how the EdD in KIN allowed her to explore areas of passion, strengthen her leadership skills, and prepare for future opportunities. Today, she integrates those lessons into her teaching, mentoring, and program development, helping UNC Charlotte students succeed both in the classroom and in the field.
Dr. Darnell K. Clark
Darnell Clark (EdD, CSCSD, RSCCE) is the Program Director for the undergraduate Exercise Science program and the Strength & Conditioning concentration in the MS Kinesiology program, where he also serves as Lecturer. Drawing on two decades as a practicing strength and conditioning professional and his leadership within the National Strength & Conditioning Association, Darnell oversees curriculum development, policy implementation, and CASCE accreditation compliance. He credits the EdD program with equipping him to transition into higher education, building skills in academic writing, research, and curriculum design. For Darnell, the most lasting lesson was the importance of community—something he carries into his role as a mentor and colleague at UNC Charlotte.
Dr. Kim Clark
Kim Clark (EdD, RRT, FAARC, FNAP) is Program Director for the undergraduate and graduate Respiratory Therapy programs and a Clinical Professor at UNC Charlotte. With more than 35 years of experience in respiratory therapy and 20 in higher education, she has been a leader in advancing the field. Kim pioneered North Carolina’s first online bachelor’s (2007) and master’s (2017) respiratory therapy advancement programs, opening doors for working professionals. She finds it most rewarding to see students return to achieve their goals, with many graduates moving into leadership, education, and specialist roles statewide. Kim credits the EdD in Kinesiology with reestablishing her research agenda, broadening her perspective, and reinforcing her passion for promoting advanced education in respiratory therapy.
Reconnecting as Colleagues
What makes this especially meaningful is the way these alumni have reconnected as colleagues at UNC Charlotte. Working just steps away from one another, Tracy, Darnell, and Kim collaborate regularly across graduate and undergraduate programs, supporting one another’s initiatives and strengthening the student experience. They note that the EdD program provided not only advanced skills but also a sense of community that continues to influence their leadership and teaching today. From shared hallway conversations to joint program development, their partnership reflects the enduring impact of the EdD in KIN and the professional networks that extend well beyond graduation!
If you are interested in learning more about the EdD in KIN program, check out our EdD in KIN website for more information.
