Wichita State University’s Rick Pappas, a physical education educator in the Human Performance Studies (HPS) Department, has been awarded the Mark Harvey Legacy Recognition Award at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) conference.

The award is the highest honor of the Central District Association of the American Alliance and acknowledges Pappas’ personal and professional character and talent.

Pappas taught physical education for Wichita Public Schools for 34 years, as well as college physical education classes. His teaching awards have included the NASPE National Central District Teacher of the Year Award, the Kansas Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award and the NEA-Wichita Teacher of the Year Award, in addition to many others. However, his highest honor was having the gymnasium at his elementary school named in his honor when he retired from the public schools in 2010.

Since joining Wichita State’s faculty three years ago, Pappas has taught nine different courses and has proven to be a highly respected instructor. Additionally, Pappas has been a constant promoter of physical education at local, regional and national levels, speaking directly to state and national representatives to advocate for the promotion of physical education in schools.

“Mr. Pappas is a conscientious, hard working and passionate physical educator,” said Michael Rogers, WSU professor and chair of the HPS Department. “His contributions have advanced the profession and helped to provide the next generation of physical education professionals.”