Media contact: Alicia Rohan
Sandra Sims, Ph.D.Motivated by a commitment to her profession and desire to educate and assist people through service, Sandra Sims, Ph.D., associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education, has been selected as the recipient of the Southern District College/University Physical Educator of the Year award by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America).
“Dr. Sims represents the best of the physical education profession, our teacher education program, the School of Education and the University of Alabama at Birmingham,” said UAB School of Education Dean Autumn Tooms Cyprès. “She is most deserving of this award, and we are proud she is being recognized for her work in the classroom as well as in the community.”
SHAPE America is the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals. To be considered for this award, one must have five years of experience and demonstrate requirements including: a position of leadership in developing and implementing effective physical education programs; service through involvement at the local, state, district or national level or the school or community level; service within a SHAPE America structure or other physical education professional organizations in the state, district or national level as an officer or committee member; and evidence of leadership and service to the profession.
Sims has been a member of UAB’s faculty since 2005. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Montevallo, Master of Arts degree from UAB, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Prior to becoming a member of UAB’s faculty, Sims completed her time as a teacher in residence at UAB and taught physical and health education in Alabama public schools.
Sims has an extensive portfolio filled with honors that speak volumes on her as a professor, speaker, writer and leader. She has co-written a book titled “Health and Physical Education for Elementary Classroom Teachers: An Integrated Approach,” and published articles in national and state refereed journals, and professional and governmental documents. She has also been invited to speak hundreds of times at national, regional and state presentations. Her exceptional work to promote, bring awareness to and enhance the community through sports and physical education has made her a leader in her field.
“Much of my leadership service is motivated by the commitment to my profession,” Sims said. “I love to wake up every morning knowing that what I do makes a difference in the lives I touch.”
Sims says she believes there is nothing more important than the health and wellness of each person and finds joy in knowing her profession gives her the ability to enhance everyone’s quality of life.
Sims will be presented the award for the Southern District College/University Physical Educator of the Year at the 2019 SHAPE America convention in Tampa, Florida, April 9-13.