Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
West Chester University Professor Inducted Into SHAPE America Hall of Fame
RESTON, VA, April 19, 2023 — SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators is pleased to announce that retired West Chester University professor Fran Cleland Donnelly was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame on March 30 during the 2023 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Seattle.
SHAPE America’s Hall of Fame award is given to honor outstanding individuals who 1) make significant contributions to maintaining sport, physical education and physical activity as an integral part of the total education program; 2) further the image of sport and healthy physical activity for all; 3) accentuate the integral relationships of sport, motor development and physical activity to the total educational process; 4) encourage involvement in meaningful competitive sport or physical activity programs by influential educators and citizens in all walks of life; and 5) symbolize the educational and developmental potentials of physical education and sport.
Cleland was a professor for 33 years with 28 years served in the Department of Kinesiology at West Chester University. Cleland also served as the assistant chair and director of the Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification Program at WCU. A published author and experienced presenter with expertise in physical education as well as K-12 dance education, Donnelly is a former president of SHAPE America and SHAPE PA.
During her career, Cleland received the 2016 Margie R. Hanson Elementary Physical Education Distinguished Service Award from SHAPE America, was a 2014 inductee into the North American Society (NAS) of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals, was the recipient of the 2010 PSAHPERD Elmer B. Cottrell Distinguished Honor Award, and received the 2010 Willard W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.
According to Cleland, “It is critical for our teacher candidates to gain both content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge so they, in turn, can help their future K-12 students develop health and physical literacy. I believe in translating theory into practice by providing our candidates with multiple field experiences during which they can apply their content knowledge within the K-12 school setting.”
Cleland received her bachelor’s degree in health and physical education (K-12) from Purdue University, her master’s degree in physical education from Indiana University, and her P.E.D. in motor development, adapted physical education and child development from Indiana University.
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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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