Dr. Michael Maina elected President-Elect of the GeorgiaAssociation for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance

Valdosta State University Associate Professor of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Dr. Michael Maina, was recently elected president-elect of the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (GAHPERD).

?Being elected is very exciting because I can make an immediate impact on health, physical education, recreation, and dance, not only in Georgia, but nationally,? Maina said. When I become president, I really want to focus on communication and collaboration between colleges and universities, as well as, Pre-K to 12th grade school systems in the state of Georgia, like a partnership.?

Maina will meet with legislators in Washington next summer to discuss strategies for combating obesity and other health-related issues.

In 1991, Maina received his bachelor of science in health and physical education. In 1993, he received his master of education in athletic administration. In 1997, he completed his doctorate of philosophy in physical education, specializing in pedagogy. Maina started his career at VSU as an assistant professor in 1998, and became an associate professor in 2002.

GAHPERD is a nonprofit organization, consisting of nearly 1,000 members, composed of professionals and students. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Georgians by supporting and promoting effective educational practices, quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the areas of health, physical education, recreation, dance, and other related fields.

The organization has existed for more than 50 years and has seen over 40 presidents. In that time span, three presidents were from Valdosta State University, including Maina. The other VSU presidents were Dr. John Merriman and Dr. Tom Jackson.

Maina is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. In 2003, he received the Valdosta State University COE Outstanding Academic Advisor Award, GAHPERD Certificate of Appreciation, and the CPIE Community Partner of the Year Award from Parker-Mathis Elementary School.