News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Angey Saucier Date: 4/26/04   Click on image for publication quality photo LAHPERD HONORS PROFESSORS -- Southeastern Louisiana University kinesiology and health studies faculty members Ralph Wood and Linda Synovitz have been honored by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Synovitz received the Southern District AAHPERD award for Outstanding University/College Health Educator of the Year and the national American Association for Health Education award for Outstanding University/College Health Educator of the Year while Wood received the District AAHPERD Taylor Dodson Young Professional Award at AAHPERD’s national convention. SLU KINESIOLOGY AND HEALTH STUDIES FACULTY RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARDS       HAMMOND -- Two professors in Southeastern Louisiana University department of kinesiology and health studies have been honored by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.       Linda Synovitz, associate professor of health education, received the Southern District AAHPERD award for Outstanding University/College Health Educator of the Year and the national American Association for Health Education award for Outstanding University/College Health Educator of the Year. Ralph Wood, assistant professor of kinesiology and health studies, was presented the Southern District AAHPERD Taylor Dodson Young Professional Award.        The professors receives the awards at AAHPERD’s national convention in New Orleans on April 1-2.         Synovitz’s honor award was based on several achievements, including service to professional organizations such as  the Louisiana  Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, SDAAHPERD, AAHE, and the American School Health Association. She was also cited for her record of scholarly presentations, research and peer review publications, grant procurement, and development of Southeastern’s department of kinesiology and health studies’ new major in health education and promotion.        Synovitz has been active in the development of the Louisiana State Health Content Standards, and in leadership activities in the kinesiology and health studies department, where she serves as graduate director. She is also a certified health education specialist and fellow of the American School Health Association.        Wood was recognized for his professional achievements regarding scholarly presentations, research and peer review publications, and service and leadership role in the department of kinesiology and health studies. He is a certified health education specialist and a member of the American Association for Health Education and the American School Health Association.