Paul Rukavina

Paul Rukavina is a Professor at Adelphi University within the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, specifically in the School of Health Sciences. With a PhD in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University, he has established himself as a leading scholar in physical education, focusing on practical approaches to improve school physical activity programs and create inclusive environments for students of all body types.

• PhD in Kinesiology (Pedagogy/Motor Learning) from Louisiana State University (2003)
• MS in Exercise Science/PE (Motor Learning and Development) from Arizona State University (1998)
• BS in Psychology and Coaching from University of Wisconsin-River Falls (1996)

Dr. Rukavina's research centers on promoting school-wide physical activity, developing inclusive programs for K-12 students who are overweight or obese, and applying non-linear pedagogy to teach motor skills. He utilizes Fullan's School Change Theory, Improvement Science, and Community of Practice models to guide educational leaders in enhancing student physical literacy and health. His groundbreaking work identifies weight bias as a critical social justice issue, advocating for inclusive physical activity environments that foster body acceptance and empower all students to lead healthy, active lives.

Analysis of Dr. Rukavina's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on addressing weight bias in educational settings, developing comprehensive school physical activity models, and creating evidence-based strategies for inclusive physical education. His work spans diverse subfields including physical literacy development, non-linear pedagogy applications, weight stigma reduction, and systemic approaches to school health promotion.

• Scientific Teaching Fellow 2018 (Summer Institutes on Scientific Teaching)
• Keynote Research Presenter at SHAPE America-Eastern District (2018, 2016)
• Research Fellow with American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Research Consortium (2011)

Dr. Rukavina actively mentors undergraduate researchers, guiding projects on diverse topics from plant-based diets to athlete mental health and developmental disabilities. He has secured multiple grants including the Active Panther Program and Bridges to Adelphi Collaboration initiatives. His leadership extends to developing whole-of-school physical activity models and advocating for data-driven approaches to health and physical education programming.