Keri D. Larsen, Ph.D., is an accomplished academic and professional in the field of public health. Her educational journey began at Louisiana State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She then pursued advanced degrees at the University of New Orleans, completing a Master of Education in Counselor Education with a concentration in Human Services Tract. Dr. Larsen continued her studies at the same institution, obtaining her Ph.D. in Human Performance & Health Promotion/ Curriculum & Instruction. Her doctoral work included Certificates in Gerontology and Adult & Higher Education. Her dissertation, Effects of Cognitive Restructuring Techniques on Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity in Older Adults, highlights her early focus on health and aging.
Dr. Larsen has dedicated her career to academia and health promotion, primarily at Southeastern Louisiana University. She started as an Instructor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies and was later promoted to Assistant Professor and she is currently at the rank of Associate Professor. During her tenure, she has taken on significant administrative roles, including serving as the Undergraduate Coordinator for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies from 2007 to 2020. In this position, she was responsible for overseeing undergraduate advising, creating advising materials, and acting as a liaison between her department and the university community. She also held the roles of Scholarship Chair and Curriculum Chair for the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies.
Dr. Larsen has a strong research background, with numerous publications and presentations focusing on gerontology, health promotion, and behavior change. Her work has been featured in a variety of academic journals and books. Noteworthy publications include her contributions to the book Intergenerational Relations and the Journal of Aging Science and Gerontology. She is also the co-author of the textbook Human Sexuality: A Self-Exploration Workbook, which is now in its second edition. Her research frequently explores topics such as ageism, body image in older adults, drug and alcohol use in college athletes, and the effectiveness of cognitive restructuring techniques for increasing physical activity. She has also been awarded several grants to enhance student technology and learning.
Throughout her career, Dr. Larsen has been recognized for her contributions to teaching and her field. She received the LAHPERD Taylor Dodson Young Professional Award and the KHS Excellence in Teaching Award. She is currently the recipient of the BC Purcell Endowed Professorship in Kinesiology & Health Studies.
Beyond her professional roles, she is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Gerontology Society, and has served on numerous university and college-level committees. She is also deeply committed to community service, particularly animal welfare, as demonstrated by her volunteer work and fostering for animal rescues such as Save-A-Lab and Labs-4-Rescue.
