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Morris brings ‘extensive experience’ in kinesiology to Don A. Williams School of Education

PLAINVIEW — Dr. Michael A. Morris, Jr., has joined the faculty of ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓƵ Baptist University as an Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport Science in the Don A. Williams School of Education.

The announcement of the appointment of Dr. Morris was made by Dr. Cindy McClenagan, Vice President of Academic Affairs, in association with Dr. Sarah Hartman, Dean of the Don A. Williams School of Education. They noted he was selected due to his substantial experience serving in both K-12 and higher education in Physical Education and Kinesiology.

“Dr. Morris’ extensive experience in physical education and kinesiology in both K-12 and higher education is uncommon,” Dr. Hartman said. “He will be a great asset to our teacher candidates looking to be certified in K-12 physical education and coaching.”

Dr. Hartman said Dr. Morris brings a wealth of knowledge about the Educator Teacher Performance Assessment — edTPA —that Texas is currently piloting as a pedagogy exam.

“He also has considerable experience as a student athlete and will naturally be able to mentor and encourage student athletes on the ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓƵ campus,” she said.

Dr. Morris comes to ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓƵ from McMurry University, where he had served as Visiting Professor of Human Health Science and Kinesiology in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Fitness since 2020. In 2023 he also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Irwin School of Education and the Department of Kinesiology at Hardin-Simmons University.

He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physical Education Teacher Education from Auburn University in 2020 and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2016. Dr. Morris’ undergraduate work was done at Florida A&M, where he majored in Criminal Justice and minored in Psychology. He has contributed to several peer-reviewed research publications and presentations. He is a member of the Society of Health and Physical Educators.