Indiana State University Newsroom

One of Indiana State University's professors of recreation and sport management has been named Indiana Sport Management Professional of the Year by her peers.

Associate Professor Kim Bodey primarily teaches sport management courses and is in her seventh year of teaching at ISU after obtaining tenure during the 2008-2009 school year.

Bodey said this week she's honored to be recognized by the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, but she downplayed the award by saying she does what she does simply in an effort to prepare students to be professionals.

"I know our university's slogan is ‘Learn by Doing,' but the reality is that's what the workplace demands," Bodey said. "If students don't have transferrable skills, they are at a disadvantage."

According to the organization's Web site, the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance represents more than 1,000 Hoosier educators, athletes and professionals who seek to promote quality health, physical education, recreation, dance, sport, and allied programming in schools and community agencies.
The organization also provides its members with professional development opportunities and encourages sound professional practices.

Molly Hare, an associate professor of physical education at ISU who serves as the organization's president, said Bodey is clearly deserving of the award.

"I can't say enough good things about Kim," Hare said. "She has a wealth of knowledge in her area, and she clearly is an expert in her field.

"For her to receive this honor is a pretty big accomplishment."

Bodey's honor comes as no surprise to Biff Williams, dean of the College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services, who refers to Bodey as "a student magnet."

"We ask three things of our professors and those are to teach, to serve and to be a scholar, and she does all three of those things very well," Williams said.

Bodey is expected to be honored with the award on Feb. 19 during the leadership conference of the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance at McCormick's Creek State Park in Spencer.

Contact: Kim Bodey, associate professor of recreation and sport management, College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services, Indiana State University at 812-237-2186, or kbodey@isugw.indstate.edu.

Writer: Rachel Wedding McClelland, assistant director of media relations, Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University at 812-237-3790 or rachel.mcclelland@indstate.edu.