2009 News Articles (click title for full article)

Dr. Abraham, Kinesiology Professor, Appointed Associate Dean
Dr. Lawrence D. Abraham, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, has been appointed Associate Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies. Abraham will assist the Dean in the general management of the School, providing leadership in academic affairs, student affairs, advising, and assessment.

Honors Announced, $90,000 Donation Made at 2009 Alderson Lecture
This year Play Golf America presented a $90,000 check to the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education's golf program. Professional golfer Justin Leonard contributed $90,000 to Play Golf America, and The University of Texas at Austin's student golf program was selected to receive the very generous donation.

Harrison Honored for Outreach to Underserved Populations
Dr. Louis Harrison, Jr., was honored with the 2009 E.B. Henderson Award at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance's (AAHPERD) National Convention and Exposition on April 4.

Autism on the Mind - Surprising Region of Brain May Contribute to Autism
Since current data indicate around 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism, there's a real sense of urgency for scientists in the quest for autism's roots. Dr. Greg Allen, a neuroscientist in the College of Education, can't announce just yet that he has an airtight answer, but he's on a promising track.

They're Teachers, Students - and Journalists
A group of bilingual education teachers getting their master's degree at The University of Texas at Austin had an opportunity this spring to expand their horizons and give journalism a try. In addition to teaching in AISD and attending graduate school, the students took on the role of columnist and wrote for Ahora Si.

UTeach A Finalist for Government Innovations Award
UTeach, an innovative and nationally acclaimed math and science teacher preparation program at The University of Texas at Austin, has been selected from 600 U.S. applicants as one of the 2009 Top 50 Government Innovations Award finalists.

Physical Education Expert Wins Top National Award
Physical education expert Dr. Dolly Lambdin has been awarded the Physical Education Teacher Education Honor Award from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), the national authority in physical education and leader in setting the standard for practice in sport and physical activity.

Former "Strongest Woman in the World" Inducted Into National Fitness Hall of Fame
Dr. Jan Todd, who set more than 60 national and world records in women's power lifting and was listed in the Guinness Book of Records for over a decade, has been inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame.

New Survey Findings Urge Community Colleges to "Imagine Success"
The SENSE, a national assessment of and for community and technical colleges, released its 2009 preliminary survey findings on March 18, in a report titled "Imagine Success: Engaging Entering Students." This year's report focuses on the need for major redesign of college practices so colleges can more successfully engage entering students.

Say What? Bias Against Languages Other than English Hurts Students
"When students who have limited English language proficiency fall behind in school or score poorly on important tests, teachers may assume they have learning disabilities," says Dr. Alba Ortiz, professor of special education...