Patton College professor Dr. Annie Machamer receives service award

The Patton College of Education’s Assistant Professor of Instruction Dr. Annie Machamer received the Honor Award from the West Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (WVAHPERD). The award recognizes service to the association and contributions to Health and Physical Education.

“The WVAHPERD association has played a significant role in my professional career,” said Machamer, who was honored at the organization’s annual convention, Oct. 17-18 in Charleston, W.Va. “I value the relationships that I have developed along the way.”

Machamer, who is from Kernersville, N.C., has served on WVAHPERD’s association board and representative assembly for several years. She was Dance Chair for three years, and for the past two years, served on the executive board as president-elect and president. She is currently the past-president and is planning WVAHPERD’s conference for the 2020 convention. 

WVAHPERD is a professional organization representing Physical Education and Health Education teachers, as well as those in related fields. It has a diverse membership, ranging from pre-professional college students to long-standing educators at the primary, secondary, and postsecondary levels.  

“The WVAHPERD organization provides an opportunity for passionate, like-minded professionals to collaborate and develop new and innovative ideas, leading the profession to new heights,” said Machamer.

Machamer began working for Ohio University in August. She is the coordinator for the Physical Activity & Wellness program (PAW), which promotes health and wellness through participation in physical activity and recreational sports. The program offers a wide array of one-credit-hour courses that are available to students across the university. The courses provide opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and expertise needed to successfully engage in self-directed physical activity, as well as individual- and team-oriented recreational sports.

“Physical Activity and Wellness courses provide students the opportunity to explore new outlets for lifetime physical activity while developing relationships among a supportive community along the way,” said Machamer.

Machamer received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education Teacher Education from Appalachian State University in 2013. She received her master’s in PETE and her doctorate in Kinesiology from West Virginia University in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Her dissertation is entitled, “Movement in the Classroom: Contingent Factors Underlying Teacher Change.”