The American Alliance for Health Education (AAHE) has named Dr. David Anspaugh as the 2006 Midwest College/University Health Educator of the Year. Anspaugh, professor and chair of the TSU Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Science, will accept this award in December at the AAHE State Conference in Indianapolis.

“This is a great honor for Dr. Anspaugh and Tri-State University,” said Dr. Dolores Tichenor, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at TSU.  “Dave’s leadership and expertise has enabled our Health, Physical Education, and Sport Management program to grow and become more versatile for our students.  He has been a catalyst for action within the department and is an expert teacher and mentor to students and faculty.”

To qualify for this award, candidates must have met a number of qualifications including being a practitioner.  Each candidate must also demonstrate specific contributions in the following areas: leadership in developing and implementing or directing/coordinating effective health education/promotion programs; volunteer service to local, state, district or national level organizations or at the school or community levels; service to local, state, or national professional organizations; and evidence of meritorious professional activity in at least three of the following: innovative teaching, publications, presentations, funded research or programs, special projects, or health related activities.

A member of AAHE since 1968, Anspaugh will compete for the College/University Health Education Professional of the Year at the National AAHE Conference in April in Salt Lake City.  Previously, in 1998, he received the AAHE Fellow award based on 10 consecutive years of AAHA membership, meritorious and consistent service to the organization through committee service, and evidence of scholarship in the field of health education.  Scholarship can include presentations as well as publications, practice, philosophy and research. 

Anspaugh will serve as President of the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in November.  He is also currently a board member of the Cameron Foundation Hospital Board, the Steuben County Mental Health Board, the Committee for Developing Health Standards for the State of Indiana, and the Michiana Coordinated School of Health Development Project of the Indiana and Michigan Departments of Education.  Anspaugh has also served as a board member of Women in Transition in Steuben County.

Recently, Anspaugh was named Acting Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at TSU.  A distinguished writer and researcher, Anspaugh has published over 21 text books, has made over 50 presentations at national and international meetings, and has over 90 articles published in reference journals.  He received his bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and biology from Albion College and his master’s degree in health and physical education from Eastern Michigan University.  Anspaugh also received his PE.D. in sport psychology and athletic administration and his Ed.D. in community health and sociology.