With a lengthy career full of accolades for his service and research in diversity, disability and social justice in sport and education, Samuel Hodge has been named Fellow of the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE).
Professor Samuel Hodge
Hodge, a professor of kinesiology, is part of the second-ever class of Fellows recognized by NAKHE.
“Sam’s leadership has set the organization’s tone for all we have been doing and are doing thanks to his scholarship and influence,” said Steve Estes, NAKHE past president and professor at Middle Tennessee State University. “And it isn’t just about researching and publishing papers. He’s bringing new people into the field, which is a big deal.”
Mentoring graduate students also is a big deal to Hodge. He has advised more than 50 master’s and 13 doctoral students in receiving their respective degrees.
Along the way, his students engaged in education abroad scholarship, traveling to Brazil and Puerto Rico. These opportunities allow them to combine research, theory and practice while training others about different approaches to adapted physical education.
“My students are going out and making a difference in their communities and in their research,” Hodge said.
For more than 20 years, Hodge has engaged in teaching, research and service in physical education teacher education and adapted physical education. His research has been extensively published in books and journals on physical education, multiculturalism and exercise. He also has presented his influential work at conferences and workshops throughout the United States.
Hodge, too, is an established NAKHE member and supporter of its mission. He is a leader of the organization, and his contributions and advocacy have advanced diversity, inclusiveness and social justice in kinesiology.
Receiving the NAKHE Fellow is an honor, Hodge said.
“For me, my greatest excitement was to share with graduates, current students and colleagues that our work is being recognized as important,” he said. “It strengthens my encouragement to them to continue doing the things that are important to them.
“It serves as a reminder to my students and my younger colleagues that if you continue to work, you will be recognized for your contributions.”
