March 3, 2006 -- Dr. Blair Dean of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro has been appointed chair of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness by Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Dr. Dean, currently in her 10th year at ASU, is an associate professor of physical education. She teaches physical education for teachers, motor skill development for children and secondary methods of physical education. In addition to supervising student interns, she is the bachelor of science degree program director for physical education.

Prior to teaching at the university level, Dr. Dean spent five years as an elementary physical education teacher. She has been recognized for her expertise and commitment in teaching by the Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and has been a past recipient of the ASU College of Education Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2005, she received the Governor’s Leadership Award in Physical Fitness. She is the author of several published articles on innovative physical education techniques for young children.

Dr. Dean is the state representative for the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity. She is a member of the Arkansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, the Arkansas Child Health Advisory Board as well as the Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Last year, Dr. Dean presented more than 15 physical education workshops to educational co-ops throughout Arkansas. Additional workshops are being planned for summer 2006.

Dr. Dean holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical education from ASU, and a doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Arkansas.