Kari Hampton, a health and physical education professor at University of Lynchburg, has been named the 2015 College/University Health Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
The annual award recognizes faculty members in Virginia who demonstrate effective teaching, emphasize the importance of physical fitness, and serve as positive role models for students.
Hampton models leadership and service in her work at LC and her involvement in professional organizations, said Dr. Jean St. Clair, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. In addition to working with other faculty to ensure their program is on the forefront of the field, she works well with students.
“Kari is an exemplary educator and is instrumental in mentoring University of Lynchburg students through the health and physical education major and into service as educators,” Dr. St. Clair said. “With America in a health crisis fueled by the epidemic of obesity, each of those students can have a powerful impact upon the lives of young men and women.”
Hampton said that it was an honor to be nominated and then to win the award. Although coming to work and doing what is best for her students is part of her routine, the award helped her realize that her colleagues in the profession recognize the value of her efforts. “It’s nice to see that what I do is really being valued, and they really get what I do,” she said.
Hampton earned her Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from Longwood University and her Master of Education in adapted physical education from the University of Virginia. She taught in the Henrico County Public Schools before she began teaching at LC in 2008. Her interests include improving the physical education experience for students who have disabilities, as well as finding ways to have students with disabilities learn alongside students without them in the regular physical education setting.
She is one of 10 educators from throughout Virginia recognized in the organization’s 2015 statewide awards. Hampton and the other winners will be recognized for their excellence during the Society of Health and Physical Educators Southern District Conference on Saturday, February 13, 2016 in Williamsburg.
