Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SHAPE America Appoints Fran Cleland to Lead New Book Acquisitions
RESTON, VA, October 12, 2023 — SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators today announced the appointment of Fran Cleland as book acquisitions and production manager. In this role, Cleland will oversee all book publishing efforts on behalf of SHAPE America in partnership with Human Kinetics.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Cleland is joining the SHAPE America team in this role,” said Stephanie Morris, SHAPE America CEO. “Her breadth of knowledge and her deep expertise in developing standards-based resources and publications, along with her incredible connections to experts within the field, will greatly contribute to advancing our mission.”
A professor emeritus within the College of Health Sciences - Department of Kinesiology at West Chester University (WCU) in West Chester, PA, Cleland brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Cleland taught at WCU for 28 years, where she also served as assistant chair of the Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification Program. Prior to her years at WCU, Cleland taught at the University of New Hampshire and East Stroudsburg University (PA), after beginning her career as a K-12 health and physical education teacher.
Cleland has received numerous state, district and national awards over the years in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the profession, including the SHAPE PA Elmer B. Cottrell Award and the SHAPE America Honor Award. In 2023, she was honored with the SHAPE America Hall of Fame Award.
“We are excited to continue publishing important and meaningful titles for the health and physical education community with Dr. Cleland’s guidance on the SHAPE America side,” said Skip Maier, CEO of Human Kinetics. “With the release of the National Health Education Standards and the National Physical Education Standards at #SHAPECleveland next March, there are many new and revised titles in the pipeline, and we look forward to working closely with her in the months and years ahead.”
Cleland is a member of the North American Society of HPERSD Professionals and has served on the SHAPE America Board of Directors, which included a term as president from 2017-2018. She has also served as president of SHAPE PA and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. In addition, she served on the Council on Physical Education for Children and held several offices within the New Hampshire Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She received her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Purdue University and both a master’s and doctorate in physical education from Indiana University.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Cleland is married to Jim Donnelly, the coordinator of the Oceanside School District Restorative Reset – Alternative to Suspension program in Oceanside, CA. She is a proud grandmother to five grandchildren and enjoys staying active. Cleland’s interests include modern dance, biking, tennis, gardening, cross-country skiing, hiking and swimming.
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About SHAPE America
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization’s community includes a diverse membership of health and physical educators, as well as advocates, supporters, and 50+ state affiliate organizations.
Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education. For decades, SHAPE America’s National Standards for K-12 Physical Education have served as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country.
Additionally, the organization helped develop and owns the National Health Education Standards.
For more information, visit www.shapeamerica.org.
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