Emeritus professor Thomas McKenzie is inducted into the National Association for Sport and Physical Education Hall of Fame.
Thomas McKenzie, emeritus professor of exercise and nutritional sciences, won the 2012 Hall of Fame Award from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.
Hall of Fame
The non-profit association consists of more than 15,000 members in the field of physical education and sports. The Hall of Fame Award is the organization's highest honor and recognizes an outstanding individual who has achieved new levels of excellence in physical activity and physical education.
Humble Beginnings
McKenzie calls himself the “Forrest Gump” of Physical Education. Growing up on a dairy farm in Eastern Canada, he embraced physical activity and public health.
“Early on, I was a public school teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal, and I was able to make an impact locally,” McKenzie said. “I had never imagined all of the other wonderful things I’ve had the opportunity to do since.”
Career of Excellence
McKenzie's career spans more than 30 years, ranging from working with Olympic athletes to conducting internationally-recognized research.
He has authored or co-authored over 170 publications, presented his work at more than 400 international, national and state conferences, and has co-founded SPARK — a nationally recognized research-based public health organization dedicated to improve health through physical activity programs, especially at schools.
Humble about his prestigious recognition, he credits a supportive environment for his success. “Awards are never won or earned by a single individual,” McKenzie said, “I have a very supportive home environment and wonderful research colleagues at SDSU, especially Drs. Jim Sallis and John Elder.”
McKenzie will receive the award at a banquet Friday, March 16, in Boston.