Stephen F. Austin State University

In the past year Sandra Cole, professor of kinesiology and health science at Stephen F. Austin State University, has been selected for Who's Who of American Women and Who's Who Among America's Teachers. She received the first honor based on outstanding achievements, according to the letter she received from the organization.

The 2007 edition features "lives and careers of outstanding women in every significant field of endeavor in North America," according to her notification letter.

"Who's Who of American Women" is found in the collections of many of America's leading libraries, where it has become a universal tool for historians, researchers, journalists, educators and biographers," the notification letter said.

The letter she received from "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" said she is among 5 percent of the nation's teachers selected for the honor. "America's best teachers (are) recognized just as the best doctors, lawyers, athletes, business people and other professionals have traditionally been honored," the letter said. "The book is distributed on a complimentary basis to all state superintendents of public education and several hundred public libraries throughout the country."

Cole graduated from SFA in 1967 with a degree in health and physical education. She received her master's degree in 1969 from SFA and her doctorate in 1978 from Indiana University.

She co-authored two books with Diane Baker, "Winning Softball Drills: A Complete Drill Book for Coaches," and "Winning Baseball Drills: A Complete Drill Book for Coaches."

She also has written a number of articles that appeared in publications including "Women's FastPitch World," "The Foil," and "Dissertation Abstracts International." She has conducted numerous presentations, and she was awarded a grant for research on United States Olympic Development Decathletes.

Cole has gained recognition and respect from her publications, but her greatest passion is for teaching. "When I was in the first grade, I told my mom I wanted to be a playground teacher," Cole said with a laugh.

After she completed her bachelor's degree, Cole worked one year at Tarleton State University before accepting a position at SFA. "I've been blessed to have worked at SFA," she said, adding that she's worked with some of the best health, dance and fitness educators in the state.

Cole left SFA for one year to complete her residency for her doctorate in Indiana, and she said that was an experience she wouldn't trade for the world.

Living in the graduate housing facilities in Indiana, she had the opportunity to meet and get to know people from all over the world. "It really broadened my knowledge of other cultures," she said.

Cole said the area she teaches in today brings together all the fields she loves.

In addition to these most recent "Who's Who" honors, Cole was also the 2000 recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science.