Please join us in congratulating Dr. Shirley Reekie, Department Chair of Kinesiology, who was recently honored as the CASA Outstanding Professor 2011-2012.  A faculty member since 1982, she has served as the Department Chair of Kinesiology since 2006. She has taught a wide variety of courses across all four programs in Kinesiology: Graduate, Undergraduate, General Education, and Activity. As the department Advising Manager from 1989-1994, she mentored thousands of students. Her contributions are substantial, highlighted by exemplary teaching, service, and scholarship at San José State University, representing the best of the Spartan Spirit.

Dr. Reekie’s scholarship includes publications in national and international comparative physical education and sport journals, and education journals, book chapters on sport in China, and encyclopedia entries on sailing, kayaking, and sport history. She has published a book on sailing and just published a second book, Bean Bags to Bod Pods: A History of 150 Years of San José State University’s Department of Kinesiology.

With an eye cast toward global sport, she created the Center for International Physical Education and Sport in 1991 and continues to serve as the Director of the Center, sponsoring student and faculty international exchanges, including study programs for students from various Chinese universities.

A water sport enthusiast, Dr. Reekie developed the sailing, kayaking, and rowing programs at SJSU.  Over the last 18 years, she has obtained approximately $60,000 in grant funding to purchase sailboats and kayaks. During her tenure at SJSU, Dr. Reekie has instructed over 3,000 students in these lifetime physical activities. As a competitive sailor and Master’s level rower, she models an active lifestyle. Her unabashed enthusiasm for physical activity is transferred to her students and faculty.

Community service has been an additional focus of her career, including work with Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation, City of San Jose Parks and Recreation, and Los Gatos Rowing Club.

Through her teaching excellence, commitment to students, scholarship, and service to the university, community, and professional organizations, Dr. Reekie exemplifies the qualities of an Outstanding Professor.