About Rick Steele

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TEACHING BACKGROUND

From 2007 to 2011, I was an adjunct instructor teaching various courses in fitness and wellness at Northern Virginia Community College – Alexandria and Lord Fairfax Community College.  I have been a full-time faculty member in the Physical Education Department at NOVA-Alexandria since 2011 and have co-lead the college’s Personal Training Career Studies program since 2015.  It is truly a privilege to be part of a college community at NOVA that truly cares about the personal and professional success of our students.

From 2003 – 2018, I was a Personal Trainer in the NOVA area.  I have extensive experience working at various fitness centers.  During that time, I have held several fitness certifications and worked with people that had all types of fitness and health goals. My areas of professional expertise include helping those with various special needs such as weight loss, joint/spine problems, physical disabilities, and other significant health concerns. As I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Kinesiology from UNCG, my research focus has been on the promotion of inclusive physical activity for college students with physical disabilities.

I design my general courses to show students the fundamental principles behind fitness, sports, and wellness.  More importantly, my aim is to give students the tools to apply those principles in a practical way to help them achieve their goals.  College can be a very stressful time and one can get lost in the day to day responsibilities and tasks that are demanded of students. Sometimes people forget to take care of themselves when that happens.  I hope my courses teach students the importance of improving their wellness and provide the tools for them to be healthy and fit…now, and in the future.

EDUCATION

University of North Carolina – Greensboro, Doctoral Student in Kinesiology (EdD), Expected Graduation – May 2020

George Mason University, Master of Science – Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion, 2007

James Madison University, Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, 1999