WKU News

Dr. YuChun (Jean) Chen of the WKU College of Health and Human Services is the recipient of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Southern District Scholar Award and the Kentucky SHAPE College/University Educator Preparation Award. Dr. Chen is an Associate Professor of Physical Education in the WKU School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport. 

The SHAPE Southern District Scholar Award promotes and stimulates scholarly activity among professionals representing the various disciplines within the field; recognizes senior level scholars who have made and continue to make significant contributions to the profession; and designates the Southern District Scholar for the ensuing year. 

The Southern District Scholar Award recognizes professionals who embody excellence in research, ethical practice, service, and commitment to advancing the profession. Dr. Chen exemplifies these qualities through her extensive publication record, leadership roles, and dedication to improving physical education for diverse populations.

Dr. Chen’s research agenda focuses on teaching and learning in physical education, teacher training, and curriculum and program effectiveness. She is a dedicated advocate for elevating physical education as an academic subject within K–12 education and for promoting lifelong physical activity among children and youth across public, private, and homeschool settings.

To date, Dr. Chen has authored and co-authored 46 peer-reviewed articles in respected state, national, and international journals, including the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (JTPE), Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (JOPERD), and Educational Process: International Journal (EPER). Since 2012, she has delivered 42 research and activity-based presentations at state and national conferences, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to disseminating knowledge and engaging with the professional community.

Dr. Chen’s scholarly productivity reflects sustained excellence across institutions. During her tenure at Louisiana Tech University (2013–2021), she published 19 articles, including 12 in the LAHPERD Journal. Since joining Western Kentucky University in Fall 2021, she has expanded her research portfolio with 28 additional publications, many appearing in prominent journals such asKinesiology Review, Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, and The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles. Her work is highly collaborative, spanning partnerships across physical education, exercise science, and parks and recreation disciplines.

In addition to her research, Dr. Chen is committed to service and leadership. She has presented regularly at SHAPE America National Conventions and state conferences since 2013 and has been sought after for consultation in developing meaningful physical education and activity programs for the homeschool community in Bowling Green. Recently, she presented on the “Power of Well-Being” at WKU’s First Generation Student Leadership Conference.

Dr. Chen mentors students through service-learning initiatives, including organizing physical activity programs for community events such as English Academy Night, fall festivals, and kindness awareness programs. Her contributions extend to professional organizations, where she serves as General Vice President on the Kentucky SHAPE Board of Directors and contributes as an author and reviewer for SHAPE America publications.

Internationally, Dr. Chen serves as a committee member for the Division of Health and Physical Education in Taiwan’s Blueprint for Developing a Bilingual Nation by 2030.

About SHAPE

SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization’s extensive community includes a diverse membership of health and physical educators, as well as advocates, supporters, and 50+ state affiliate organizations.

Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in school-based health education and physical education. For decades, SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards have served as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country, just as the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards serve as the foundation for effective skills-based health education. Together, these national standards provide a comprehensive framework for educators to deliver high-quality instruction and make a positive difference in the health and well-being of every preK-12 student.

Learn more here: https://www.shapeamerica.org/