Administration
Bettye Richards, B.S.
Departmental Secretary, II
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
J. Brandon Sluder, Ph.D., LPT, CIC
Professor/Chair
211-C Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3443
jbsluder@troy.edu
Dr. J. Brandon Sluder serves at Troy University as professor and department chair in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. He received his Bachelor's degree in Sport Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina in 2001 and his M.S. (2003) and Ph.D. (2008) in Sport Pedagogy from Auburn University. He resides in Troy, Alabama and enjoys spending time with family in his spare time.
Research Interests – Student mental health and faculty readiness at the collegiate level, Autonomy-Supportive Teaching in Elementary Physical Education, and Perceptual Motor Programming.
Faculty
Exercise Physiology
BS Exercise Physiology, MS Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology & Strength and Conditioning
LaGary Carter, DA, DNP, NP-C, ACSM-CEP
Professor/Dean, College of Health Sciences
153 Collegeview Building
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3712
blcarter@troy.edu
Dr. Carter serves as Dean of the College of Health Science and teaches in the Exercise Physiology Program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. Dr. Carter is a Certified and Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine and is credentialed as an Exercise is Medicine® Level III professional. He received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama, a Doctor of Arts in Physical Education with a concentration in Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Science in Wellness & Fitness from David Lipscomb University. Dr. Carter also obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University. A southern Georgia native, Dr. Carter is a first-generation college graduate and an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He and his wife of 34 years, Tanya, have two adult sons.
Michael S. Green, Ph.D.
Professor/Coordinator of Kinesiology Laboratories
107-C Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Dr. Michael Green received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Sport and Fitness Management from Troy State University in 2000 and 2002, respectively, and earned his doctorate in Sport Science from Georgia State University in 2008. Dr. Green began working with the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion in 2008, and teaches and conducts research in the area of Exercise Science. He also serves as the Exercise Science Program Coordinator. A native of Great Britain, Green came to the United States to combine his athletic and academic aspirations. He earned 9 conference titles, set the Troy University record for 3,000 meters, and became the first member of the Troy University cross country team receive the Academic All-American honor (1998), and enjoyed a successful post-collegiate career as a marathon runner.
Research Interests – Exercise-induced Muscle Damage, Exercise Metabolism, Dietary Supplements, Ergogenic Aids
Lauren Luginsland, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Dr. Luginsland teaches as an adjunct instructor for the Exercise Physiology program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. She is currently serving in her full time role as a post doctorate fellow at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Luginsland holds a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from Old Dominion University. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton and her Masters of Science from the University of Mississippi studying Exercise Science with a focus in Biomechanics. Prior to starting her PhD, Dr. Luginsland was a Biomechanist in the Movement Science Lab at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, TX and was a prior NIOSH/CDC research fellow awarded through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) program.
Research interests - clinical gait analysis with a primary focus in pediatric populations with an orthopedic impairment and/or disability
James Grant Mouser, Ph.D.
Associate Professor/Exercise Physiology Program Coordinator
111 Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 808-6717
jmouser@troy.edu
Dr. J. Grant Mouser completed his Ph.D. in Health and Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from the University of Mississippi. While there he received a graduate certificate in Applied Statistics. He received his M.S. in Exercise Physiology as well as a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Mouser has been heavily involved in applied physiology research examining blood flow restriction, muscle function and growth, and vascular adaptations to exercise.
Research interests - Blood flow restriction, vascular adaptation to resistance training, skeletal muscle physiology and adaptation to resistance training
Robin Oakes, DPT
Adjunct Instructor
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Dr. Oakes received her BS in Pre-Professional Health Science (2008) and Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT – 2010) from The University of South Alabama. Dr. Oakes serves as an adjunct instructor for the Exercise Physiology Program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. In her clinical role, Dr. Oakes serves as a Physical Therapist in both homehealth and the Troy Regional Medical Center. Her service their includes managing patient care, patient and family education, and ensuring safe transition to the home environment.
Lesley Parrish, Ph.D., PT, DPT, SCS, FAAOMPT
Assistant Professor/IPHS Coordinator
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Lesley Parrish is and Assistant Professor and the Interprofessional health science program coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. She is also a licensed physical therapist that has dedicated 20+ years of clinical practice to the art of caring for individuals with orthopedic and sports medicine injuries. Her focus has been in sports medicine with specialization in movement assessment, injury prevention, and rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries. Most of her practice has consisted of working with both professional and collegiate athletes, working with teams such as the Tennessee Titans, the Lipscomb University Bisons; and has since continued working with the Troy University Trojans, the New York Giants, the Montreal Alouettes, and the New York Jets. She has worked alongside physicians from the Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center and Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine. Dr. Parrish’s research interest focuses on movement assessment and injury prevention with the most recent study analyzing wearable Inertial Measurement Units to assess movement strategy for injury prevention and the return to high level functional activity. She received her Ph.D. in Health Science from Faulkner University, her DPT from Belmont University and her Bachelors degree from The University of Alabama. She is certified in trigger point dry needling, IASTM, concussion, and sports medicine rehabilitation. She has had the honor of representing her profession on venues such as ESPN and Sports Illustrated. She is actively involved in her church, tennis, and wellness and enjoys spending time with her family.
Arturo Leyva Pizano, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Dr. Leyva teaches in the exercise physiology program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Miami. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family.
Research interests - neuroscience and philosophy, of behavioral sciences, health sciences, mind/4E cognition, phenomenology, movement and sport, and film.
Rebecca Whetstone, M.S., CIC
Lecturer
107-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-5955
whetsone@troy.edu
Becky Whetstone earned her Master’s Degrees in Counseling & Psychology (2013) and Kinesiology – Sports Psychology (expected 2025) at Troy University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Brock University, Ontario, Canada. Prior to joining the KHP department, Mrs. Whetstone was an Assistant Director of Athletics for Academics in the Troy University Athletics department, and was responsible for the academic advisement of student athletes. Her responsibilities in the KHP department include the advisement of all exercise physiology undergraduate students and teaching exercise physiology and general kinesiology courses.
Interprofessional Health Sciences (BS IPHS)
All KHP Faculty teach within the IPHS program.
Nutrition
BS Nutrition
Donna O. Burnett, Ph.D., RD, LD
Adjunct Instructor
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Dr. Burnett is a Registered, Licensed Dietitian and a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She earned her undergraduate degree in Food, Nutrition and Institution Management at The University of Alabama, completing the Coordinated Program in Dietetics at that time. She completed the MS in Clinical Nutrition and the PhD in Health Education and Health Promotion programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research interests focus on dietetics practice and long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences. Dr. Burnett has extensive experience both in the field and in the classroom, having worked first in clinical nutrition/foodservice management and then in long term care prior to transitioning to higher education. Dr. Burnett has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels since 2009. She enjoys teaching and training future dietitians, developing curriculum, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate student research. Dr. Burnett has three adult children.
Shannon Grammer, M.S., RD, LD
Adjunct Instructor
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 714-2884
sgrammer@troy.edu
Shannon teaches as an adjunct instructor for the Nutrition program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. She is a registered dietitian with over 25 years of clinical, management, and education experience. Her clinical skill set and communication has allowed her to work in various environments with a diverse population. She received her BS in Human Environmental Science – Food and Nutrition (1995) and her MS in Human Environmental Science – Human Nutrition (2010) from the University of Alabama.
Aimee McDonough, M.S., RDN, LDN
Lecturer
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(205) 908-0187
mcdonougha@troy.edu
Aimee McDonough serves as a lecturer in the Nutrition program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. Prior to coming to Troy, Aimee worked as a Bariatric Registered Dietitian for the Flowers Hospital Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery. She graduated with honors form the University of Alabama in receiving her BS in Human Environmental Sciences – Food and Nutrition (2016) and her MS in Human Environmental Sciences – Human Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition Emphasis (2020).
Teresa Johnson, DCN, RDN, FAND
Professor
212-B Stadium Tower
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 312-2309
tjohnson@troy.edu
Dr. Teresa Johnson is a Registered Dietitian with over 30 years of clinical practice and teaching experience. She has a BS in Dietetics from the University of Montevallo, a master’s in nutrition from Auburn University and a Doctorate in Clinical nutrition from Rutgers University. Her current clinical practice is outpatient pediatric clinics for Children’s Rehabilitation Services and pool dietitian for Encompass Health. She teaches Human Nutrition, Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition for the Lifecycle, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Introduction to Food Science, Community Nutrition, and Sports Nutrition and Metabolism.
Research Interests – Pediatric Nutrition, Anthropometry, Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies, Blended Tube Feeding
Jennifer Thompson, M.S., RD, LD
Adjunct Instructor
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 790-0734
jthompson165226@troy.edu
Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian, credentialed to practice in the US, and a Licensed Dietitian in Alabama. She has been in clinical practice since 2009 in private treatment facilities, food service management, and hospitals, both inpatient and outpatient setting. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and Food Science from Auburn University, minoring in Human Development and Family Studies. She completed a dietetic internship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. At UAB, Jennifer completed her internship and was awarded a fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Jennifer received a Master’s of Science in Clinical Nutrition with an emphasis in Exercise Science from UAB.
Jennifer's specializations include Diabetes, Eating Disorders, Exercise Science, Professional Leadership, and Health Communications.
Physical Activity Program
Traditional Campus and Online Physical Activity Classes
Ellis Bush, MBA
Adjunct Instructor - Dance
Senior Lecturer
Institute for Leadership Development
409 Hawkins Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Ellis Bush serves as an adjunct instructor in the physical activity program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion Department at Troy University. In his full time role he serves as a Senior Lecturer for the Institute of Leadership Development at Troy.
Adjunct Instructor - Track and Field
Assistant Coach, Throws and Weight Training
Troy University Athletics
Trojan Arena
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 808-6631
miclayton@troy.edu
Michelle Clayton serves as an adjunct instructor serving the physical activity program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. In her primary role she serves as the assistant Coach throws and Weight Training for the Track and Field team. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1998 with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. In 1997, due to her efforts in the classroom, she was named to the GTE Academic All-America team and ECU’s Outstanding Female Student-Athlete. Clayton completed her M.A.Ed in Athletic Administration from East Carolina in 2000 and earned a second Master’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Argosy University in 2011. While earning her Master’s Degree at ECU, she also served as a graduate assistant strength coach from 1998-2000. Additionally, she holds her USA Track and Field Level II certification in the Throws, USA Weightlifting Club Coach certification, Advanced Olympic Lifting Certification, CSCS through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and SCCC certification through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. Clayton is a member of the East Carolina University Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 2011), the East Forsyth High School (Kernersville, NC) Hall of Fame (Class of 2012) and the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County (North Carolina) Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2023).
Curriculum Vitae
Adjunct Instructor - Tennis
Head Women’s Tennis Coach
Troy University Athletics
Davis Field House
Troy, AL 36082
Rawia Elsisi is the women’s head Tennis coach at Troy, her alma mater. Elsisi played for Troy for four years from 2006-09, spending the majority of her career in the number one spot of then head coach Eric Hayes’ lineup. Elsisi helped the Trojans to a winning record in each of her four seasons after coming to Troy following a very successful junior international career. In addition to an accomplished tennis coach and player, Elsisi was an exceptional student, earning both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Troy University. She earned her bachelor’s in sport and fitness management with a minor in business administration in 2008, doing so in less than four years. Elsisi was a four-time Sun Belt Commissioner’s List honoree and won the Sorrell Award, given to Troy’s graduating female student-athlete with the highest GPA every year. Elsisi earned her master’s degree in Sport and Fitness Management with a concentration in Sport Administration in 2010 and has completed numerous professional presentations and had articles publicized since then. She has also serves as an adjunct instructor for the physical activity program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion.
Adjunct Instructor – Women’s Self Defense & RAD
Sergeant of Patrol and Investigations
Troy University Police Department
500 Park Street
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 372-7808
rfloyd84679@troy.edu
Rachel Farmer is an adjunct instructor teaching women’s self defense and RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. In her full time role she serves as Sergeant of Patrol and Investigations for the Troy University Police Department. She completed her Law Enforcement training at North East Alabama Law Enforcement Academy (2015) and received her BS in Criminal Justice from Troy University in 2018.
Adjunct Instructor – Physical Activity Program
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 587-9047
bekah.gordon@gmail.com
Bekah Gordon serves at Troy University as an adjunct instructor in the physical activity program for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education at Troy University in 2011. She resides in Montgomery, Alabama and enjoys watching sports, playing the drums, and being an aunt to her nephews.
Adjunct Instructor – Basketball
Associate Head Coach, Women’s Basketball
Troy University Athletics
Trojan Arena
Troy, AL 36082
Jennifer Graf is the associate head coach of Troy Women’s Basketball. In her time with the Trojans, Graf has helped guide the Trojans to five Sun Belt Championships and six postseason berths, including three NCAA Tournament appearances. Graf aided the Trojans in the first three-peat in the Sun Belt Conference after winning the Sun Belt Regular Season title for a second time in program history. She is the associate head coach for women's basketball and teaches Basketball for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University.
Adjunct Instructor – Physical Activity Program
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Langley Bell Vannoy Martin, a dedicated educator, coach, and mentor based in Flagstaff, AZ, holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Troy University, where she also played collegiate golf. As an accomplished educator and coach, Langley brings a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, both academically and athletically. Highlights of her career include serving as a Health & Physical Education Teacher at Coconino High School, where she also acts as the Girls and Boys Varsity Golf Coach, leading teams to multiple State Tournament appearances. Additionally, Langley offers private golf instruction tailored to individuals of all ages and has earned accolades such as NCAA Women of the Year Nominee, Sun Belt Conference Champion, and Academic All-American.
With a diverse background in teaching, coaching, and community involvement, Langley is committed to fostering holistic growth and development in students of all ages. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her dedication to empowering individuals, has consistently driven positive outcomes in both academic and athletic settings. In her leisure time, Langley enjoys hiking, biking, and any outdoor adventure that allows her to connect with nature and stay active. An avid skier and outdoor enthusiast, Langley cherishes her time spent exploring the mountains and trails of Flagstaff with her husband. She also enjoys playing golf with him, finding joy and relaxation in the sport.
Adjunct Instructor – IPHS & Physical Activity Program
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
865-567-4635
Imitchell163974@troy.edu
Isabella Mitchell is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. Ms. Mitchell was a standout volleyball player at Troy University where she graduated with honors completing both her BS and MS degrees in Exercise Physiology. She also obtained her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She has been teaching at the college level since 2021.
Adjunct Instructor – First Aid & CPR
Coordinator of Facilities and Aquatics
1106 Trojan Fitness Center
Troy, AL 36082
334-670-3193
mpisarski@troy.edu
Matthew Pisarski serves as an adjunct instructor for the Interprofessional Health Science program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. In his main role on campus, he serves as the Facilities and Aquatics Coordinator at Troy University. Matthew was previously the Graduate Assistant of Facilities and Aquatics. In his current position he oversees all of the recreational and aquatic facilities on the Troy Campus. He attended Troy University and Graduated Cum Laude in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Sport, & Tourism Management with a Minor in Recreation Management. While attending Troy, Matthew served as a lifeguard at the Lee Natatorium. He completed his Master of Science in Sport Management at Troy in 2024. In his free time, Matthew enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and traveling.
Adjunct Instructor – Softball
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
Taylor Smartt serves as adjunct instructor for the physical activity program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. Coach Smartt was an honors graduate from KHP in the Sport Management program in 2014. Following her graduation she stayed on at Troy as an assistant softball coach from 2014-2022. Coach Smartt is a passionate, dynamic, and high energy individual with a love for the game of softball and the development of student-athletes, and is dedicated to team, player, and program success on and off the field.
Sports Medicine
MS Athletic Training
John "Doc" Anderson
Professor Emeritus, NATA Hall of Fame Member
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3443
athtrain@troy.edu
"Doc" Anderson began his coaching career at TROY four years later as the head coach for the track and field and cross-country teams for 12 seasons while simultaneously serving a 14-year stint as the head athletic trainer (1967-80). During this time, his teams won three track and field conference championships and seven cross country conference championships. “My motto with athletics is simple,” he said. “Athletics makes you strong. Study makes you wise. Character makes you great.” As an athletic trainer, Anderson served at the 1996 Olympic Games for the U.S. Track and Field squad and was a member of their medical team in 1984, 1988 and 1992.
He received the NATA Service Award in 1997, was inducted into the Alabama Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 1999 and earned the title of Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer award for the NATA in 2006. In 2013, he was inducted into TROY’s Sports Hall of Fame. On June 28, Anderson will be one of six people inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in Houston, Texas, and will join the ranks of more than 250 distinguished men and women. He and his wife, Susan, currently reside in Troy and have two children, Cindy and John III.
Troy A. Coppus, EdD, LAT, ATC, CSCS
Assistant Professor/MSAT Program Director
212-A Stadium Tower
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-5818
tcoppus@troy.edu
Dr. Troy Coppus received his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Ohio Northern University in 2004, a graduate degree in Sport Studies from High Point University in 2006, and earned his Doctor of Education in Kinesiology from UNC Greensboro in 2020. He has been a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer and NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist since 2004. Dr. Coppus began working with the Athletic Training Program/Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy in 2021. Prior to Troy University, he spent 14 years at the University of Evansville. Since 2017, he was a full-time faculty member in the Athletic Training program. The previous ten years were spent a dual-appointment staff athletic trainer and faculty member. He has also worked as a part-time industrial sports medicine provider for Briotix Health.
Research Interests – Training load analysis and injury risk in team sports
Cherise R. Crisman, MEd, ATC, LAT
Instructor
212-B Stadium Tower
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3722
ccrisman@troy.edu
Cherise Crisman completed her B.S. in Athletic Training at Troy University (1994) and her Master’s degree in Health Promotion at Auburn University (1997). After serving at Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Alabama) for two years as the NAIA Head Athletic Trainer, Cherise commenced her career with Troy University, working with the women’s basketball team.
Cherise teaches within the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University alongside her position with Atrium Healthcare (Kannapolis, NC). In her free time, Cherise enjoys fishing and going to the movies.
Linda K. Delinsky, DHSc, LAT, ATC
Assistant Professor/MSAT Clinical Education Coordinator
212-D Stadium Tower
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3468
ldelinsky@troy.edu
Dr. Katie Delinsky received her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from North Georgia College & State University in 2006, a graduate degree in Kinesiology from Lamar University in 2009, and earned her Doctor of Health Science from Nova Southeastern University in 2020. She has been a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer since 2006. In August 2021, Dr. Delinsky began working with the Athletic Training Program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at Troy University. Previously, Dr. Delinsky worked as a clinical athletic trainer at the University of Mary Washington and Carson-Newman University from 2008-2014. From 2015-2020 she was an Athletic Training Program instructor at Bethel University. She continues to provide part-time coverage of athletic events for Premier Sports Medicine and seasonal coverage for Varsity Spirit Corporation.
Research Interests - "return to learn" following concussion, employment of athletic trainers in the high school setting
Sport Pedagogy
BS Physical Education, BS Sports Coaching, MS Physical Education, MS Kinesiology-Coaching & Sports Psychology
Jessica F. Boutwell, M.S., LPT, CIC
Lecturer/Physical Activity Program Coordinator
112-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3445
jfboutwell@troy.edu
Jessica Boutwell serves at Troy University as a Lecturer and Physical Activity Program Coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. Prior to coming onboard at Troy, she taught middle school physical education for over 10 years in Alabama. She graduated with honors from Troy University, receiving both her Bachelor's of Science degree in Physical Education in 2011 and her Masters of Science degree in Physical Education (2024). She holds her state teaching license from Alabama in P-12 Physical Education. She also holds her Certified Interscholastic Coaching Certification from NFHS. She is from Andalusia, Alabama and enjoys spending time with her family in her spare time.
Jessica R. Grimes, Ph.D., LPT
Adjunct Instructor
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3443
jrichards121092@troy.edu
Dr. Grimes is a certified physical education teacher for Admiral Moorer Middle School in Eufaula, Alabama. She also serves as a Sport Pedagogy adjunct instructor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. Dr. Grimes graduated from Troy University with honors completing her BS in Physical Education and MS Sport Management prior to completing her Ph.D. in Physical Education/Teacher Education from Auburn University.
Kaitlyn Higgins, Ph.D., LPT
Adjunct Instructor
211-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3443
ahiggins8@gmail.com
Dr. Kaitlyn Higgins received her Bachelor's degree in physical and health education from Troy University in 2015, and Master's degree in Sport and Fitness Management in 2017. She received her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Auburn University in 2021. Her dissertation focused on the roles of Physical Education Paraeducators (PEPs) in the State of Alabama. She then taught elementary and middle school physical education, secondary health education, and middle school and high school athletics for Orange Beach City Schools until 2023. During this time she also coached Cheerleading, Volleyball, and Girls' Golf, Volleyball and Golf went to state in 2022 and 2023, and girls golf received a bid to state in 2023. She currently resides in Gulf Shores, Alabama and enjoys spending her spare time on the water and with her dogs.
Research Interests – Physical Education Paraeducators, relationships between administration and physical education teachers/coaches, motor development, educational policy as it relates to physical and health education, and physical education for students' with ADHD.
Candice Howard-Smith, Ph.D., CIC
Professor, Coordinator for Teacher Education (KHP)
112-A Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-5863
choward@troy.edu
Dr. Candice Howard-Smith received a Ph.D. in Exercise Science with a Motor Development cognate and a Special Education emphasis from Auburn University and a Master’s degree in Foundations of Education from Troy State University. She teaches in the areas of motor development, adapted physical education, physical education and graduate research. Dr. Howard-Smith serves as the Sports Pedagogy Coordinator responsible for undergraduate/graduate Physical Education and the B.S. Sports Coaching. Dr. Howard-Smith is in her 21st year at TROY and 12th year implementing a perceptual-motor program in the local preschool. Her passion is holistically teaching fundamental motor skills and cognitive concepts to preschool-aged children and creating a positive learning environment for elementary-aged children. Dr. Howard-Smith resides in Ariton, Alabama and enjoys spending time with family, traveling, being outdoors and being involved in her community.
Research Interests – Fundamental Motor Skills in Preschoolers, Perceived Competence in Preschoolers, Structured Versus Unstructured Physical Activity with Preschoolers, and Early Childhood Movement and Cognitive Concepts
Curriculum VitaeRecent Publications
Kacie Lanier, Ph.D., LPT, CSCS, CIC
Assistant Professor
211-D Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 808-6812
lanierk@troy.edu
Dr. Kacie Lanier received her undergraduate degrees in Child and Family Development and Psychology from the University of Georgia in 2011 and graduate degrees in Counselor Education and Health and Physical Education from Georgia Southern University in 2014 and 2017, respectively. She taught middle school physical education for 2 years, and earned her doctorate in Physical Education Teacher Education at Georgia State University in 2023. She teaches in the areas of physical education, health, and coaching.
Research Interests – Physical Education’s impact on student mental health, teacher readiness to teach strength & conditioning within the school setting
Curriculum Vitae
Recent Publications
J. Brandon Sluder, Ph.D., LPT, CIC
Professor/Chair
211-C Wright Hall
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3443
jbsluder@troy.edu
Dr. J. Brandon Sluder serves at Troy University as professor and department chair in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion. He received his Bachelor's degree in Sport Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina in 2001 and his M.S. (2003) and Ph.D. (2008) in Sport Pedagogy from Auburn University. He resides in Troy, Alabama and enjoys spending time with family in his spare time.
Research Interests – Student mental health and faculty readiness at the collegiate level, Autonomy-Supportive Teaching in Elementary Physical Education, and Perceptual Motor Programming
Curriculum Vitae
Recent Publications