SFA educators featured at conference

Dr. Kim Archer

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Two members of the faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University recently gave research presentations at the 85th annual convention of the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in Corpus Christi.

Dr. Kim Archer, assistant professor of health sciences, was a featured speaker at the three-day event, which was attended by more than 3,000 health and physical education professionals. Archer's presentation was titled "Ergogenic Aids and Sport Supplements Use in High School Athletics and the Impact of Drug Testing."

Dr. Stephanie Jevas, assistant professor of athletic training at SFA, and Dr. Dean Culpepper of Lubbock Christian University joined Archer in presenting a research poster titled "The Role of Personality, Eating Characteristics, and Sport on Depressive Symptoms in Division I and Division III Collegiate Athletes." The research poster received top honors as the Outstanding Professional Level Research Poster at the 2008 TAHPERD convention.

More than 200 presentations were given by teachers representing kindergarten through college-level instruction in the professions of health, physical education, recreation and dance.

"With the crisis of childhood obesity riveting every school and every community, the teachers and professionals in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance are dedicated to improving the quality of their students' lives," said Dr. Diana Everett, the association's executive director. "The growing epidemic of childhood health conditions such as cardiovascular risk factors and type 2 diabetes can be decreased through increased physical education, physical activity and healthier food choices."

Archer is a 1993 graduate of Jefferson High School in Conception Junction, Mo. She holds a bachelor's degree in nutrition and physical fitness and both master's and doctorate degrees in health education. Archer also serves on the TAHPERD Health Education Committee and is president elect of the Research Committee.