For more than 20 years, Dr. Richard Oates has been a member of the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE). His membership and contributions to the professional organization were awarded Jan. 3 during its annual conference.
Oates, vice president of the University of North Georgia (UNG) Gainesville Campus, was named a NAKHE fellow, one of only 30 professionals to be selected since 2015.
"It's always an honor to be recognized by your peers and this one was a very unexpected honor," Oates said. "I was very humbled."
A NAKHE fellow is one of the acknowledged leaders in the field of kinesiology who has the added distinction of providing outstanding service to the organization through various contributions. NAKHE members nominate their colleagues as fellows, then a selection committee of current fellows makes recommendations which are approved by the board of directors.
Oates was surprised to be added to the list of colleagues he considers mentors.
"The fellows are people I look up to," he said. "I read their research and their books. To be in that same category, I just have no words."
