Alicia Stapp

Alicia Stapp is an Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education and Assistant Chair in the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Mississippi's School of Education in Oxford, Mississippi. She is also the Coordinator of the Wellness and Physical Activity Endorsement program for Elementary and Special Education majors and co-creator of the Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities Curriculum.

Education:

• Ed.D. in Education, Nova Southeastern University (2013), concentration in Instructional Leadership, minor in Curriculum Development
• M.A. in Health and Physical Education
• B.A. in Social Science Education

Dr. Stapp's research and teaching focus on integrating wellness and physical activity into preK-8 education to combat childhood obesity and sedentary behaviors. She explores how interdisciplinary curricula grounded in movement and wellness can improve academic achievement, teacher effectiveness, and community engagement. Her work emphasizes pedagogical innovation, curriculum design, and policy development in elementary education.

Although no publications are listed in the provided text, her professional efforts are strongly oriented toward practical curriculum development and teacher training, particularly through the Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities initiative and the Wellness and Physical Activity Teaching Endorsement program.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards mentioned in the provided text.

Dr. Stapp has been instrumental in shaping wellness-focused teacher preparation programs. She previously taught in the Florida public school system for nearly 12 years and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida, teaching courses on integrating arts and movement into elementary education. At the University of Mississippi since 2014, she continues to lead curriculum innovation and faculty development in health and physical education.

She is actively involved in her professional community through curriculum design and outreach, particularly via her co-developed Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities program, which reflects her commitment to holistic student development.