Q: How long have you been at the College of Education? What is your position here?
A: This is my 18th year at UK! I am an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion in pedagogy. I’m also the director of our Life Fitness Classes. I work with student teachers and KTIP students. I currently teach Introduction to Fitness in our department as well as a strength training class at Promatx Fitness Club. While I am trained to teach aerobics, hip-hop, step and many other kinds of fitness and conditioning, I do not teach as many as I once did because I love being home with my wife, LaChele, and our two wonderful and bright boys, Luke (10) and Josiah (6).
Q: What do you like most about working at the College of Education?
A: I enjoy working for the college. I love the knowledge that the many professors bring to our college. They are very gifted and talented. I love the Kinesiology and Health Promotion Department most of all. Our faculty is second to none. I love working hard for our department in which we have an awesome chair in Dr. Melody Noland who leads me to give my best to the college.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or participate in any other interesting activities?
A: I do a lot of volunteering for any group needing to raise money, such as the Special Olympics which I have worked with for more than 30 years. Whatever they want me to do, I do it and for the last 20 years or so it has been to DJ. I never schedule anything the first weekend in June because that is when I DJ for the State Special Olympics at Eastern Kentucky University. I remember traveling from the University of Mississippi, where I earned my Ph.D. and was an instructor, to come up and DJ. I have volunteered for just about everything in Special Olympics such as:
- Being a Buddy
- Working in track & field
- Clean-up
- A runner
I think it is an honor to work with the Special Olympics.
Q: How did you become a DJ? Have you ever DJ’ed for the College?
A: Yes, I have DJ’ed several events for the college. I got started 37 years ago while teaching Elementary Physical Education at Crittenberger Elementary in Fort Knox (Ky.). I started a Student Council there and we needed to raise money for the club, so I started DJ’ing for the after-school dances. Since then I have DJ’ed weddings, parties and other events. I have done so many gigs, from a boat on the Ohio River to my own family reunion. I have played both locally and out-of-state for the Crunch Brunch, but I think DJ’ing for the Special Olympics is still the best gig that I have ever done. They enjoy it so much that it gives me great pleasure in watching them dance. I have seen some of the kids year after year and have watched them grow older. It makes me feel great.
Q: What style of music do you prefer?
A: I like all kinds of music and I can dance to just about anything, but I like R & B. I really love playing everything.
Q: If someone was interested in getting in shape, what advice would you give them?
A: I have been a Personal Trainer for 35 years now and I still enjoy it. I have seen lots of changes, but basically it’s about staying active no matter what your age.