Georgia Southern Professor Recognized by SHAPE America

March 16, 2015

Because of her efforts to mentor students pursuing a degree in physical education, sport, kinesiology or exercise science, faculty member Bridget Melton, Ed.D., has been named Outstanding Mentor of the Year by the Society of Health And Physical Educators (SHAPE) of America. “It is quite an honor to be selected as SHAPE Mentor of The Year. I have been blessed with wonderful mentors throughout my career and I hope that I am able to give back to my students,” said Melton, a Physical Activity and Healthful Living Director and Assistant Professor of Physical Activity at Georgia Southern. “The best part of being a faculty member is the positive interactions that we have with our students.” SHAPE America presents this award annually in recognition of one higher education faculty member nationwide who serves as a mentor to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the aforementioned areas of study. To be considered for the award, educators must serve as outstanding role models of professionalism, encourage student involvement in professional opportunities, support student membership in professional organizations and provide exemplary academic and professional preparation advisement. “I try to make my coursework as applicable to their future careers as possible, and often l link community service with their coursework,” Melton said. “For those students who really shine, I challenge them to get involved with professional development such as presenting at professional conferences. Going to professional conferences for a student can sometime be intimidating, so it is nice to coax them along.” Melton teaches a variety of courses focused on health and physical activity including Healthful Living, Sport Conditioning and Physiology of Sport and Exercise for Coaches. As the director of the Healthful Living Program, she oversees the undergraduate requirements for health and physical activity courses. “One of the most profound impacts we can have as educators is our influence on young professionals,” said SHAPE America President Dolly Lambdin of the University of Texas at Austin. “This award honors an individual who exceeds in instilling passion and professionalism in all of her students. We are thrilled that Bridget Melton represents SHAPE America in such a caring, giving and professional manner.” In addition to her mentorship and teaching, Melton conducts research that concentrates primarily on using technology to motivate special populations to exercise. She has published 29 peer reviewed articles, contributed to 15 books and has given over 50 presentations to state, national and international audiences. She is also active with several state and national organizations, including American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), SHAPE America, National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) and the Georgia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (GAHPERD).