Contact: Maridith Geuder
Two Mississippi State teachers are being recognized by the Mississippi Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
Andy Gillentine and Barry P. Hunt are associate professors in the university's department of health, physical education, recreation, and sport.
Gillentine recently received the alliance's 1999 Pride in Teaching Award in recognition of innovative teaching and leadership in professional organizations. He directs the MSU department's sport administration graduate program.
Hunt received the Health Educator of the Year Award for being a role model in health and fitness and for demonstrated commitment to curriculum development and professional growth. He directs the graduate program in health education and health promotion.
The Mississippi Alliance is the state chapter of the country's largest organization for professionals in education and specialties relating to healthy lifestyles.
Gillentine serves on the Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports and the executive board of directors of the Sports Management Review Council. He received a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University, a master's from Northeastern University and a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Hunt is 1999 editor of the Mississippi Alliance's journal. He also serves as project director for the Oktibbeha County chapter of Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, a school/community youth tobacco prevention program. He received a bachelor's from Troy State University and master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama.
Several of Gillentine and Hunt's departmental colleagues currently hold leadership positions in the state alliance. Lecturer Deborah W. Funderburk is vice president for dance; assistant professor Jeffrey W. Schulz, vice president for health; lecturer Holley G. Wiley, vice president-elect for health; and assistant professor Clayton L. Daughtrey and instructor Daniel Webb, council members.