Feb. 22, 2024

MOSHAPE awards two Northwest faculty, two students

By Kayla Holman, communication assistant

Two Northwest Missouri State University students and two faculty members were honored recently by the Missouri Society of Health and Physical Educators (MOSHAPE)– including as the Outstanding Major of the Year for the second consecutive year.

MOSHAPE is a statewide organization for professionals and future professionals in the field of health and physical education. MOSHAPE offers leadership and assistance to schools seeking to develop health and physical education programs and recognizes current or future health professionals for their achievements.

Courtney Kennedy, a senior physical education major from Platte City, Missouri, was named the Outstanding Major of the Year at the organization’s fall conference. Students recognized as majors of the year are nominated by professors, and Kennedy joined Abagale Lingle as the second consecutive recipient from Northwest.

Additionally, Jake Waters, a senior physical education major and health education minor from Olathe, Kansas, was named the Health Education Major of the Year.

He said receiving the award solidified his decision to pursue a career in physical education. He plans to graduate from Northwest after completing his student teaching next fall.

“It definitely made it feel more real to me,” Waters said. “To be recognized by your professors kind of puts in perspective that this is something that I really want to do.”

Dr. Matthew Symonds instructs students in a health science abilities lab. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

Dr. Matthew Symonds, a professor of health and physical education, received an Executive Director Award. The award is presented to MOSHAPE members who have provided consistent support to advance the organization’s missions, purposes and programs. Symonds and three other members received the award for their work to revise and update the organization’s constitution and bylaws.

Symonds has been a member of MOSHAPE for 30 years. He served as president in 2010 and previously received its Robert M. Taylor Professional Service Honor Award, Lynn Imergoot MOSHAPE Scholar Award and Dr. Kathleen Kinderfather Award.

He joined Northwest’s faculty in 1996 and teaches courses in health sciences and physical education. In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwest, he has an Ed.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

“I firmly believe that we have the most impact by serving and helping others,” Symonds said. “I just hope that I model that for students.”

In addition, Dr. Jodie Leiss, an associate professor of health and physical education, was selected as MOSHAPE’s Scholar of the Year for her professional leadership, teaching and outstanding scholarship.