Associate Professor of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Dr. Woodard is an Associate Professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department (HPER) where she teaches Adapted Physical Education (PED 468), Fitness for Living (PED 100), and Adapted Physical Activity (PED 130). Dr. Woodard's work with graduate students includes thesis chair and research project advisor. Dr. Woodard serves as the undergraduate coordinator for the physical education program and the graduate assistantship coordinator for the HPER Department.  Dr. Woodard’s professional goals are to (1) prepare future physical educators to effectively teach all individuals, regardless of ability and special needs, and (2) help to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, especially in relation to physical activity and exercise.  Her research interests revolve around these two goals.  She (along with other MSU faculty) has formed a partnership with the Arc of the Ozarks to provide a physical activity program for their adult clients with developmental disabilities. Data has been collected over the past year and a half in relation to how regular physical activity influences numerous variables such as physical fitness, behavior, and self-esteem.  Dr. Woodard is also the founder of the Bear Play Sport and Recreation Program.This is a physical activity program specifically structured for Missouri State University and Greene County community members with disabilities. Last year, she received a grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to support the program. A research project will begin in Fall 2006 investigating how participation in this program affects the college life of students with disabilities. Dr. Woodard is also a regular contributor to two Northstar Publishing magazines, Camp Business and Parks & Rec Business. Her regular contributions are related to providing physical activity programs to individuals with disabilities in camp and recreational settings. In addition, Dr. Woodard and some of her research colleagues have recently submitted an adapted physical education textbook prospectus. The prospectus is currently in review.

Through her research Dr. Woodard has published numerous articles both at the state, national, and international level.  Her most current publications include:

Wayda, V., Lund, J., Buck, M., & Woodard, R. (in press). Professional dispositions: What are we teaching our students? The Physical Educator. (National/Refereed)

Woodard, R.J. (2006). Audible cues: Sports designed for those who are blind or visually impaired that everyone can play! Parks and Recreation Business Magazine, 4, 44-45. (National/Invited)

Woodard, R. J. (2005). Everyone can play! Accommodating children with physical disabilities in sport and physical activity. Camp Business Magazine, 5, 20-21 (National/Invited)

Woodard, R.J., Wayda, V.K., Buck, M., Lund, J., & Pauline, J. (2004). Daily physical education, physical fitness, and middle school students. Journal of the International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport, and Dance, 4, 20-23. (International/Refereed)

Dr. Woodard has also been the author of multiple chapters in the textbook, Physical education activity handbook (10th & 11th ed.) by N. Schmottlach and J. McManama. 

To support her research, Dr. Woodard has received many grants.  Some of her most current grants include:

• 2005 Show-Me Body Walk (Co-Investigator), Missouri Department of Transportation ($33,811)

• 2005 Show-Me Body Walk (Co-Investigator), Missouri Foundation for Health ($79,192)

• 2005 Bear Play Sport and Rec. Prog. (Principle Investigator), Community Foundation of the Ozarks ($9,700)

• 2005 Show-Me Body Walk (Co-Investigator), Missouri Foundation for Health ($70,192)

• 2004 Show-Me Body Walk (Co-Investigator), Missouri Department of Transportation ($33,811)

In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Woodard has also been very active in service to the university. She is a member of Faculty Senate, Chair of the Disabled Services Advisory Committee, and serves as the Faculty Advisor for the MSU Chapter of the Missouri Association for Blind Students. Dr. Woodard also serves nationally on the PE Central Adapted Advisory Board, and has served as Treasurer for the National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities Board of Directors (September 2001 to July 2005).