Southeastern faculty members honored with NAHPL Awards

Two Southeastern Louisiana University faculty members have been honored with awards from the Southern Tier of the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy for their contributions in the field – Department Head of Kinesiology and Health Studies Charity Bryan and Assistant Professor of Health Science Myia L. Graves.

Graves received the Taylor Dodson Young Professional of the Year Award and Bryan received the Donna L. Dunaway Medal.

The Taylor Dodson Young Professional of the Year Award is a distinguished recognition given to emerging professionals who have demonstrated exceptional promise and dedication to the field of health and physical literacy.

A resident of Covington, Graves received her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2019 and, since then, has become a key figure in adolescent health. She has actively contributed to her department, university, and broader professional community. Her academic work includes nine peer-reviewed publications, three book chapters, and 10 presentations at professional conferences.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Graves has demonstrated her commitment to service by holding numerous leadership roles at Southeastern. She is a member of the Faculty Senate, Chairperson of the KHS Scholarship Committee, and serves on both the Curriculum and Interprofessional Education Committees. Her involvement extends beyond the university, as she is an active member of the American Public Health Association and the Society of Public Health Education.

Bryan, a resident of Hammond, received the Donna L. Dunaway Medal, the highest honor the NAHPL Southern Tier can bestow on a member. The award is named in honor of Dunaway, who made a lasting impact on the health and physical education community.

The award recognizes individuals who have made sustained and significant contributions to the Southern Tier states and professional associations over a minimum of 15 years. Bryan was recognized for her career and lifetime achievements. Her journey in the health and physical education field began in 1994 when she joined Alabama AHPERD and AAHPERD as an undergraduate student at Samford University. It was during this time that she met Dunaway, who would become her lifelong mentor and friend, deeply influencing her career path.

After completing her PhD at Louisiana State University, Bryan went on to hold several significant leadership positions, including department chair at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, associate dean at Louisiana State University, and program overseer at Kennesaw State University. In 2020, she returned to Louisiana as a professor and department head of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Southeastern.

Throughout her career, Bryan has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Louisiana AHPERD Honor Award in 2014 and the LAHPERD Scholar Award in 2023; the Southern District AAHPERD Honor Award in 2019; and the Taylor Dodson Award in 2008. She has also held leadership positions within state and regional organizations, including President of Louisiana AHPERD and President of Southern District AAHPERD.

As one of the founding members of the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy, Bryan played a key role in establishing the organization’s structure and governance. Serving as its first President, she worked to create an inclusive and transparent platform for professionals across the country, ensuring opportunities for leadership and collaboration.