Paul La Bounty, Ph.D., associate professor of health, human performance and recreation (HHPR) in the Baylor School of Education, is the recipient of the Collins Outstanding Professor Award for 2014. The Collins Professor is chosen each year by a vote of Baylor’s senior class.
La Bounty teaches anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning methods to HHPR students, many of them on pre-med or other pre-health academic tracks. He said the award was a surprise to him.
“My students make it easy to do my job,” La Bounty said. “They are respectful, engaging and far brighter than I am, so I appreciate the vote and the honor.”
The Collins Outstanding Professor Award is provided by the Carr P. Collins Foundation to honor outstanding professors at Baylor University. The recipient is given a $10,000 cash award and recognition at spring commencement.
As this year’s Collins Professor, La Bounty will also present a lecture, which will then be published and made available to the public.
La Bounty’s lecture will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 3:30 p.m. in Marrs McLean Science Building, Room 101. La Bounty said he will discuss his journey toward his teaching career, a topic structured around him trusting God.
“There’s a reason for everything,” La Bounty said. “I can at least talk about my personal journey and tie that into how I can relate to students and teaching.”
La Bounty said he continues his career at Baylor because of students and faculty, as well as Baylor’s continued value in teaching.
By Briana Rojas
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.
ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Founded in 1919, the Baylor School of Education (SOE) prepares leaders through four departments in two broad program areas, Professional/Teacher Education and Health Education. Leadership preparation begins in undergraduate programs, continues through master’s level work, and culminates in both Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs. The SOE impacts the world as students participate in faculty-guided fieldwork, service learning, and community-focused research in local and global contexts. The school shapes the future by mentoring the whole person, developing an understanding of theory and practice, and encouraging responsiveness to one’s calling.