Deborah Feltz, a professor and chairperson of the Michigan State University Department of Kinesiology, has been selected as one of 10 MSU professors to be named a University Distinguished Professor in 2011.
This exclusive title is among the highest honors that can be bestowed on a faculty member by the university. Those selected for the title have been recognized nationally and internationally for the importance of their teaching, research and outreach achievements.
As a sport and exercise psychologist, Feltz has made numerous contributions to the field of kinesiology and is particularly interested in self-efficacy and the psychosocial implications of sport and physical activity participation. She also focuses on motivation within groups in exercise, as seen in her project, “Buddy Up! Harnessing Group Dynamics to Boost Motivation to Exercise,” which demonstrates the motivational benefits of exercising with a virtual partner while playing health video games.
The University Distinguished Professors were recommended by President Lou Anna K. Simon and approved by the MSU Board of Trustees at its June 17 meeting.
Individuals holding the professorship receive, in addition to their salary, a stipend of $5,000 per year for five years to support professional activities.
Read more on MSU News.