NEWS RELEASE
PUBLIC INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
PO Box 567, Buies Creek, NC 27506
Tel: (910) 893-1224 w Fax: (910) 893-1922

Dr. Donna Woolard, associate professor of exercise science and director of the Physical Education Teacher Education program at Campbell University, was recently named College/University Teacher of the Year for the Physical Education Association (PEA) of the North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NCAAHPERD).

The NCAAHPERD is an advocate for health, physical education, recreation, dance, and athletics professionals and students in North Carolina.

"I was extremely proud, humbled, and speechless to be named Teacher of the Year by the Physical Education Association," Woolard said. "I just thank Campbell for the opportunity to pursue my professional interests with confidence, pride, and the ability to hold to my strong beliefs in Campbell’s mission."

A native of Washington, NC, Woolard joined the faculty of Campbell University in 1994. Under her direction the Physical Education Teacher Education program at Campbell has been cited as "exemplary" by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Woolard herself was cited as an "exemplary" teacher educator by the NCATE.

A graduate of East Carolina University, Woolard earned both undergraduate and Master’s degrees in health and physical education. She went on to earn a doctorate in physical education from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN.

Prior to accepting a teaching position at Campbell, Woolard was an assistant professor at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC. She also served as coordinator of Physical Education Teacher Education, supervisor of student teachers, and head volleyball coach.

Woolard was also an assistant professor at Mars Hill College where she served as coordinator of Physical Education Teacher Education, supervisor of student teachers, and head softball coach.

In 1998, she received the Campbell University Dean’s Award for teaching excellence. Dr. Walter Barge, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, described her as "a person who does what is needed both personally and professionally to mentor her students."

Woolard was named to Who’s Who in American Education in 1993 and received the North Carolina Governor’s Recognition Award as Outstanding Sportswoman in 1987. She was named the 1985-86 Coach of the Year by the Chowan News-Herald newspaper.

Founded in 1887, Campbell University is North Carolina’s second largest private institution and the second largest Baptist university in the world. Located in Buies Creek, NC, just east of the center of the state, Campbell combines academic excellence and Christian commitment. More information about Campbell University is available on the website, www.campbell.edu.

Campbell University Bulletin 0909.

Citation for the
Physical Education Association
North Carolina  Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
College and University Teacher of the Year
December 8, 2000

Donna Woolard is an Associate Professor of Exercise Science and the Director of the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Program at Campbell University. Under Dr. Woolard’s leadership, the PETE program has been cited as "Exemplary" by North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Recognized as an expert in the professional preparation of physical education teachers, Dr. Woolard has been called an "exemplary" teacher educator by NCDPI and NCATE. She has been profiled in Who’s Who in the South and Southeast, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who in the World. In May of 1998, the Campbell University College of Arts and Sciences named Dr. Woolard Teacher of the Year.

According to Dr. Walter Barge, Dean of Campbell University’s College of Arts and Sciences, "It is hard to believe that one could find a more enthusiastic supporter of Campbell University’s Christian purpose than Dr. Donna L. Woolard. . . . This combination of priorities for the students—personal growth and academic excellence—is what makes her such a dedicated teacher. . . . For Dr. Woolard, the bottom line is the well-being of her students. She does what she needs to do in order to be personally and professionally at the highest peak of preparedness to mentor them." Paul Plummer, Director of Athletic Training at Campbell, says, "As you walk by her classroom, the students are absorbed in the material not just learning course content for examinations but trying to make sure they understand how she is teaching. . . . It is no longer a profession for her but a vocation. This is not what she does at work but this is how she leads her life."

Dr. Woolard received her bachelors and masters degrees from East Carolina University. She began her career as a high school teacher and coach in Ahoskie, North Carolina. Dr. Woolard left eastern North Carolina to pursue her doctorate at Middle Tennessee State University and returned to the state after completing the degree in two years. Her career in higher education began as an Assistant Professor at Mars Hill College and Elizabeth City State University. She joined the faculty of Campbell University in 1994.

NCAAHPERD Convention Booklet, December 8, 2000.

Top of Page