TUSCALOOSA, Ala – Dr. Matt Curtner-Smith, professor of kinesiology and department head at The University of Alabama’s College of Education, was recently appointed as a Fellow into the Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The consortium advances, promotes and disseminates quality research within and across these related disciplines and professions.

Each Fellow’s membership in the Research Consortium is based on contributions in the areas of research publications, presentations and professional service.

Curtner-Smith has spent his career conducting research on sport pedagogy; educational policy/politics; physical education curricula and curriculum reform; teacher socialization; student teaching practice including early field experiences and supervision; and teaching/coaching effectiveness.

“Doing what you expect others to do is leading by example, and Dr. Curtner-Smith is doing just that,” said Dr. James McLean, dean of the UA College of Education. “We appreciate his work and congratulate him on this honor.”

He has recently been published in the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education; Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy; Sport, Education and Society; The Physical Educator; and Teaching Elementary Physical Education.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.