KRSS Awards 2021

Dr. Plotnicki was a faculty member in Physical Education.  He was a long time track official and was instrumental in organizing competitive collegiate handball on a national scale. The Ben A. Plotnicki plaque is inscribed with the words “Run in the Race, Run for the prize, Run with a purpose, Inspire others to do the same.” It is awarded to one or more undergraduates who demonstrate professional promise and personal growth. Criteria include students who demonstrate integrity, responsibility, dedication to principle and fitness of mind, body and spirit.

Anna Kathryn Horn – Kinesiology
Undergraduate

Anna Kathryn has exceeded all expectations at the University of Tennessee.  She is the recipient of numerous scholarships, awards, and honors, including the Top Collegiate Scholar.  Anna Kathryn has participated in volunteer work, job shadowing, and serving as a research assistant.  She is in the Chancellor’s Honors College and has also served as a teaching assistant in a Biology lab.  Outside of the classroom, she has engaged in Greek Life, the Student Dental Association, and the Kinesiology Student Association.   

Bailey Alexander – Sport Management
Undergraduate

Bailey has been an exceptional student in the Tennessee Sport Management program and has a bright future awaiting her. She has clearly separated herself as one of the top students who has been through our program.  Bailey has exhibited a keen eagerness to soak in a much knowledge as she could. This desire and passion for learning has continued throughout her academic career as she has certainly set herself apart from her classmates. Bailey also has a wealth of professional experience. She has volunteered in event operations for the Music City Bowl and becoming a board member for the Tennessee Sport Management majors club, Partners in Sports.  She has also devoted an enormous amount of time and energy working in the Athletics Fan Experience Office. She has helped managed the marketing efforts for women’s basketball, volleyball, and baseball. She has done an exceptional job in this role as well.

Kelly Goble – Therapeutic Recreation
Undergraduate

Kelly is a senior in the Therapeutic Recreation program and embodies everything that it means to have professional promise. Not only did she carry herself flawlessly during all her service learning opportunities and field experiences in the TR program, but she also held leadership roles in her sorority and was an active participant in the Occupational Therapy Student Association and Therapeutic Recreation Student Association on campus. Further, when Kelly was away from the University, she spent her time volunteering with underprivileged students in the Knox County Schools system at the Wesley House Community Center. Kelly is also kind, humble, and a joy to be around and our program will miss her when she graduates this spring!

Sam Venable was a faculty member who taught physical education and recreation. “Big Sam,” as he was affectionately known, had a passion for community service and this award in his name recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate commitment to the University and their profession through service.  Criteria include professional orientation, leadership roles, and work experience.  

Amanda Martin- Kinesiology
Undergraduate

Amanda has a really strong interest a commitment to kinesiology. She is motivated to understand how what she is learning now applies to the field of exercise and health.  Amanda is currently engaged in a multitude of experiences within the field of kinesiology, including assisting a physical therapist and working with youth and adults to enhance water safety skills.  Amanda has a strong passion to assist others to achieve their goals through exercise and sport.  

Alec Davis – Sport Management
Undergraduate

Alec Davis has spent countless hours as volunteer coach for Gibbs Middle School football term. It has been a challenging year to become involved in community service but Alec continually sought out opportunities and has made a tremendous impact with the Gibbs Middle School football team. Alec is not only focused on developing the athletes as football players but also in their development as a person. He is very much interested in the holistic development of the team members and preparing them for the next step in their educational pursuits. He has been a mentor both on and off the field.

Mia Lawson – Therapeutic Recreation
Undergraduate

Mia is a junior in the Therapeutic Recreation concentration who demonstrates her commitment to the University and her profession through her work as the President of the Therapeutic Recreation Student Association (TRSA). Mia exhibits integrity and a sincere interest in humanity through her work with the therapeutic camps for youth and adults with disabilities and in her work with TRSA. Mia has demonstrated outstanding contributions and commitment to the campus community and the Therapeutic Recreation profession through her leadership and service.

Dr. Capen was a member of the Physical Education Faculty who was instrumental in the development of its graduate programs. The award named in his honor recognizes one or more graduating doctoral students who have excelled in research activities.  Recipients must have a minimum of two presentations at professional meetings, or one publication in a refereed journal. 

Lauren Beasley – Sport Management
PhD Candidate

Lauren has had an excellent year from a research perspective. She has had four articles published this academic year as well as having two manuscripts accepted for publication. She is first author on four of publications. She is only publishing in high-quality journals. She has also eight various stages of the review process. Lauren has demonstrated she can take the lead on the manuscript or work as a member of a collaborative team. She is certainly setting herself up for success as she begins the transition to becoming a faculty member. Lauren was also a part of 11 conference presentations this past year was lead author on four of those.

Lauren Schroeder – Biomechanics
PhD Candidate

Lauren has been an active researcher in the Biomechanics lab with four first author publications.  Lauren is also a co-author on five additional publications and one manuscript currently in review.  Always maintaining a high level of productivity, she continues to be an instrumental member of several other ongoing research projects in the Biomechanics Lab. Lauren has also presented her work internationally, nationally and regionally at several scientific meetings. Her drive and commitment to excellence are second to none and she has been indispensable member of the Biomechanics Lab at the University of Tennessee.  Lauren is a highly qualified nominee that has excelled in every aspect of her academic career. I envision that these experiences and achievements will lead to extraordinary accomplishments and success in her future academic and professional life.  Lauren has been, and will continue to be a strong ambassador for the Kinesiology and Sports Studies doctoral program on campus and in the biomechanics community.

Dr. Andrew J. Kozar was department head of Men’s Physical Education from 1966 to the mid-1970s. He later served in the UT President’s office under Ed Boling (1975-1986), before returning to the faculty. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Kozar helped create the Southeast chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine. He also curated a collection of the sport sculptures of R. Tait McKenzie, and wrote a book about University of Tennessee football and one of its legendary coaches, General Robert Neyland. It is with great pride and a loving memory that we present this award. It recognizes one or more graduate students in Kinesiology for excellence /potential in research and writing.

Lauren Schroeder – Biomechanics
PhD Candidate
Lauren has been an active researcher in the Biomechanics lab with four first author publications.  Lauren is also a co-author on five additional publications and one manuscript currently in review.  Always maintaining a high level of productivity, she continues to be an instrumental member of several other ongoing research projects in the Biomechanics Lab. Lauren has also presented her work internationally, nationally and regionally at several scientific meetings. Her drive and commitment to excellence are second to none and she has been indispensable member of the Biomechanics Lab at the University of Tennessee.  Lauren is a highly qualified nominee that has excelled in every aspect of her academic career. I envision that these experiences and achievements will lead to extraordinary accomplishments and success in her future academic and professional life.  Lauren has been, and will continue to be a strong ambassador for the Kinesiology and Sports Studies doctoral program on campus and in the biomechanics community.  

Tanner Thorsen – Biomechanics
PhD Candidate
Tanner Thorsen is a 3^rd year PhD student in Biomechanics and is graduating in Spring 2021. He has excelled in research, coursework, and teaching and mentoring.  He has published peer-reviewed publications, 2 manuscripts in review, 10 conference presentations, and 9 manuscripts in preparation. He is a recipient of Tennessee Fellowship for Graduate Excellence, and University of Tennessee Student Faculty Research Award, and travel grants from International Society of Biomechanics and Force and Motion Foundation.

A.W. Hobt was a former Professor and Head of the Department of Physical Education, and gave more than forty years of effort to the department and the physical education program at the University of Tennessee.  Mr. Hobt was vitally interested in superior programs in physical education and excellence in teaching at all levels of learning in the state of Tennessee.  Hundreds of former students, colleagues, alumni, and friends have made contributions in appreciation, recognition and the perpetuation of the previously mentioned ideals through the A.W. Hobt Memorial Teaching Award.  Winners of the Hobt Award are Graduate Teaching Associates in the Physical Education Activity Program who score the highest among their colleagues on the Student Assessment of Instruction System question # 4 “instructor’s effectiveness in teaching material.”   

Ashley Gardner
PhD Candidate
Socio-Cultural Studies

Lauren McHenry
PhD Candidate
Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior

Rachel Williams
PhD Candidate
Sport Psych and Motor Behavior

This award recognizes a GTA (Graduate Teaching Associate) in the Department who displays that Special Volunteer Spirit that motivates other students to achieve their potential. Many of you know that Ms. Boroviak was the organizer of Big Orange Friday in our department during the football season which still exists today. 

Alexandra “Al” Pelletier – Sport Management
Master’s Candidate

Al has been a PEAP GTA for two years and has brought enthusiasm, reliability, and creativity to the role.  We can always count on her to volunteer to help, take on whatever challenge is given to her, and do the job right and with energy.  She will be missed next year! 

This award is given to a graduate or undergraduate student(s) in the Therapeutic Recreation concentration who has made a significant contribution to his or her chosen profession. 

Carter Hill – Therapeutic Recreation
Undergraduate
Carter Hill is passionate about working with children with disabilities.  She loved taking RSM 405, Therapeutic Recreation in Public Schools, and is interested in working in either a school or clinical setting once she becomes a Certified Recreation Therapy Specialist.  An Alabama native, Carter has displayed her volunteer spirit throughout her time at UTK through her community engagement.  When told, she was nominated for the Edith Jessop Award, she responded today’s my birthday and this is such a sweet surprise!

Dr. Peters was a former head of the Recreation and Leisure Studies department. She had a passion for scholarship, and this Scholar Award in her name recognizes a Therapeutic Recreation student with strong scholarship and outstanding service.   

Katelyn Henderson – Therapeutic Recreation
Undergraduate
Katelyn is a junior in the Therapeutic Recreation concentration who embodies the volunteer spirit in all that she does. During her participation in Camp Koinonia’s virtual program this Spring she was the first to volunteer and put in the most volunteer hours of any student. She was essential in helping organize and pack activity kits for our 527 campers! She also raised the most in donations to help purchase supplies for the activity kits. She is an active member of the Therapeutic Recreation Student Association and Phi Sigma Theta National Honors Society. In addition, Katelyn has excelled in the classroom and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Katelyn has truly demonstrated what it means to be a volunteer and part of the Camp Koinonia family by her willingness to always go above and beyond.

This award recognizes a student who has been involved with the Camp Koinonia program and exhibited extraordinary leadership. It is awarded to a student who has gone well above and beyond the call of duty that is normally expected. 

Sophie Lowe – Therapeutic Recreation
MS Candidate

Sophie was the bright star that led the Camp Koinonia program this year! Despite an unusual year for our camp program, Sophie displayed extraordinary leadership in preparation for the virtual camp as well as helped bring the camp spirit to our campers and staff in light of the shift to a virtual program this year. Sophie has done an extraordinary job of training our future camp directors. She has gone above and beyond what is expected in all the she does and has done a phenomenal job of bringing new ideas to the camp program.

James Rosenberg-William Rosenberg Family Foundation Sport Management Scholarship Award is intended to reward those students exemplifying engagement in the sport management major and scholastic achievement.  

Scott Daughtry – Sport Management
Undergraduate
Scott has excelled academically during his time at the University of Tennessee, proving to be a perfect candidate for the Rosenberg Scholarship.  Additionally, Scott has engaged in a significant amount of service relative to the field of sport management.  He is currently UT Athletics Media Relations Intern and has extensive managerial experience in college basketball.  Scott is a member of the 1794 Honors and Scholars Program, Uncommon Sports Group, Partners in Sports and the Business Analytics Society.  

Hunter Ottinger – Kinesiology

Emma Barton – Sport Management

Andrew Rogers – Sport Management

Kelly Carlson – Therapeutic Recreation

Anna Horn – Kinesiology

Rebecca Pettross – Kinesiology

Dylan Blanchard – Sport Management

Caroline Stegall – Therapeutic Recreation

The annual scholar awards honor a select number of students from member departments, recommended by department faculty, whose academic and leadership records are distinctive. The awards are intended to recognize and promote academic excellence, to further the professional competence and dedication of academically accomplished students and to promote kinesiology and its related fields.  AKA sponsors awards in four categories: Undergraduate Scholar, Master’s Scholar, Doctoral Scholar, and the Graduate Student Writing.

Undergraduate Scholar

Gracyn “Grace” Walker
Undergraduate
Recreation and Sport Management

MS Scholar

Lauren Antle
MS Candidate
Recreation and Sport Management

Doctoral Scholar

Tanner Thorsen
PhD Candidate
Kinesiology – Biomechanics

Writing Award

Lauren Schroeder
PhD Candidate
Kinesiology – Biomechanics

The award given by the UTK Graduate School was in recognition of Logan Markwell’s project titled: Overcoming COVID-19 obstacles: The efficacy of using virtual reality for remote physical therapy during a pandemic.

Logan Markwell
PhD Candidate
Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior

Payton Benko, undergraduate student in Kinesiology, received a Semester Research Assistant Award for Spring 2021.  She is working on a project that is focused on nature-based outdoor play in preschool children. 

Payton Benko
Undergraduate
Kinesiology

The Marcus McLaughlin Award is given to outstanding camp counselors at Camp Koinonia.

• Samuel Scott: Junior, Therapeutic Recreation
• Tatum Allen: Junior, Therapeutic Recreation

The Mia Pruett Award is given to outstanding camp counselors at Camp Koinonia.

• Katelyn Henderson: Junior, Therapeutic Recreation
• Kirsten Roberts: Junior, Speech Pathology

The Top Collegiate Scholar Awards honor undergraduates who exhibit extraordinary scholarship.The Office of the Chancellor recognizes Top Collegiate Scholars in each college. KRSS had three students recognized within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences recognizes. Congratulations!

• Dylan Blanchard
• Anna Kathryn Horn
• Rebecca Leigh Pettross

New for 2021, the Volunteers of Distinction celebrates the academic achievements of our graduating seniors and graduate students. KRSS had 11 student recognized under this new award presented by the Chancellor’s Office.

• Bailey Alexander
• Lauren Antle
• Caleb Currier
• Izzy Dunn
• London Evans
• Brandy Moss
• Dominic Palumbo
• Alexandra Pelletier
• Sydney Snoddy
• Alaina Stem
• Grace Walker

Dr. Phillips was the Director of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from 1975-1985. She provided an abundance of service to professional organizations.  The purpose of this award is to recognize excellence in professional service by a full-time faculty member in the Department of the Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport Studies.  Award recipients exhibit excellence in professional service, which is defined as service to any professional organization(s) whose basic goals are similar to the broad goals of the academic discipline of the recipient.

Rob Hardin
Professor
Sport Management

Faculty Nomination Narrative: 

Dr. Hardin has served the past three years as both the editor of the Sport Management Education Journal and a member of the North American Society of Sport Management (NASSM) Executive Council. The journal has increased its visibility and positioned itself for future growth under his leadership. The number of submissions to journal stood at 40 in 2017, which was the year prior to Dr. Hardin assuming the editorship. His diligent work on promoting the journal led to 96 submissions in 2020. Dr. Hardin also oversaw the conceptualization and development of three special issues of the journal: Global Perspectives in Sport Management Education (published in fall 2020), Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Management Education (scheduled for publication in spring 2022), and Assessment and Accreditation in Sport Management Education (scheduled for publication spring 2023). Dr. Hardin spearheaded efforts to the establish a Best Paper Award for the journal with the first recipient being recognized in 2018. He also was instrumental in the establishment of the NASSM Education Fellow which recognizes excellence in scholarship related to education and pedagogy for members of the organization. The establishment of both of these honors has only increased the visibility of the journal and enhanced its reputation.