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Caring, dedicated faculty

As a student in public health or kinesiology, you’ll find that our talented, experienced faculty members are valuable resources and allies. They not only provide you with the knowledge and skills that you need but also help you achieve your academic goals and launch your career.

Our faculty members’ areas of research and expertise include disability sports, modern dance techniques , disease prevention, effects of exercise on the body, and muscle recovery and vascular health. Our instructors are passionate about teaching and their fields — and they care about your success.

Faculty and staff

Dr. Jay Thornton

Dr. Jay Thornton’s areas of interest are promoting physical activity, models of teaching and outdoor recreation. Before teaching in higher education, he worked in the public school system for seven years teaching physics, physical science and physical education and coaching athletics.

Dr. Thornton earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education in kinesiology from SFA. He holds an EdD from Texas A&M University-Commerce in supervision, curriculum and instruction-higher education.

Dr. MiHae Bae

Dr. MiHae Bae earned her Bachelor of Science in physical education and her Master of Arts in sport pedagogy from Seoul National University. She holds a PhD from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Linda Bobo

Dr. Linda Bobo’s areas of interest include effective clinical instruction and the utilization of video feedback. She completed her Bachelor of Science at Northeast Louisiana University and her Master of Education at Northwestern State University. She holds a PhD from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Her professional activities include serving as a sports medicine volunteer with the United States Olympic Committee.

Dr. Deborah Buswell

Dr. Deborah Buswell earned her Bachelor of Science in physical education from The University of Maine and her Master of Science in physical education from Baylor University.

She holds a PhD in adapted and developmental physical education from Texas Woman’s University. Her research interests include disability sports, inclusion and teacher preparation.

Dr. Derek Cegelka

Dr. Derek Cegelka earned his Bachelor of Science in health science from Lock Haven University and his Master of Public Health from East Stroudsburg University. He holds a PhD in health education from The University of Toledo.

His research interests include death and dying, gerontology and sexuality education.

Dr. Mary Hawkins

Dr. Mary Hawkins earned her Bachelor of Science in biology and two Master of Education degrees – in health and wellness promotion and in sports administration – from Northwestern State University. She holds a PhD in health science from the University of Arkansas.

Her areas of interest are community and public health, disease prevention, active living, program planning and program evaluation.

Dr. Eric Jones

Dr. Eric Jones earned his Bachelor of Science in fitness and sports medicine from Southeast Missouri State University. He earned both his Master of Arts and PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Alabama.

His areas of interest include environmental stress, thermoregulation, hydration and muscle recovery.

Dr. Dustin Joubert

Dr. Dustin Joubert earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in kinesiology from Sam Houston State University. He received his PhD in exercise physiology from Texas A&M University.

His research interests include endurance exercise performance, blood pressure and vascular health.

Amanda Moore

Amanda Moore earned her Bachelor of Science in education and human development from Bowling Green State University, where she majored in dance. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in dance choreography from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

In addition to teaching at the university level, she has professional experience as a dance teacher and as an artist in residence at Dance Project in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Sharon Rice

Sharon Rice holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education in education from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Her professional experience includes public school teaching for Center Independent School District, where she was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2013 and 2017.

Dr. James Rowe

Dr. James Rowe holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Angelo State University, a Master of Science in exercise physiology from Texas Christian University and a PhD in exercise physiology from Texas Woman's University.

His research interests include the influence of diet and exercise risk factors for metabolic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Dr. DawnElla Rust

Dr. DawnElla Rust holds a Bachelor of Science in community health from Oklahoma State University, a Master of Science in health and physical education from Emporia State University, and an EdD in health promotion from Oklahoma State University.

Her professional goal is to make "healthy" the easy choice through policy, environmental change and system change.

Heather Samuelson

Heather Samuelson holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in dance from Sam Houston State University.

She specializes in modern dance in the Limon style and choreography.

Sarah Sanchez

Visiting Lecturer

Sarah Sanchez holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance from Texas State University and a Master of Fine Arts in dance from Sam Houston State University.

In addition to teaching at the university level, she has professional experience as a choreographer, dancer and fitness instructor.

Dr. John Stewart

Dr. John Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Science in geography/geographic information science, a Master of Public Health and a PhD in health services policy and management from the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Victoria Wagner-Greene

Dr. Victoria Wagner-Green earned her Bachelor of Science in education from Bowling Green State University, her Master of Public Health from the Northwest Ohio Consortium of Public Health and her graduate certificate in contemporary gerontological practice from The University of Toledo. She also completed her PhD in health education at The University of Toledo.

Dr. Melinda Watts

Dr. Melinda Watts completed her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science at Stephen F. Austin State University. She earned her PhD in athletic training from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

Her area of interest is injury prevention for rodeo athletes.

Dr. Kristina White

Dr. Kristina White holds a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Miami, along with a Master of Science in sport pedagogy and a PhD in kinesiology, exercise, nutrition and health from Baylor University.

White has professional experience as a certified athletic trainer for Varsity Cheer and Southwest Sports Medicine in Texas.

Dr. Robyn Whitehead

Dr. Robyn Whitehead holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and a Master of Science in sports administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and a PsyD in health and wellness psychology from the University of the Rockies.

Her professional experience includes work as an exercise physiologist.

Dr. Todd Whitehead

Dr. Todd Whitehead holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise science, Master of Science in exercise physiology and PhD in applied physiology from the University of Southern Mississippi.

His areas of interest include ergogenic supplements and novel training techniques.

 

Contact

Department of Kinesiology and Health Science
936.468.3503
kinesiology@sfasu.edu
Faculty Directory

HPE Complex
Room 204

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 13015, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962