معرفی
Kevin J. Mercier serves as Professor and Chair in the School of Health Sciences within the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences at Adelphi University. With extensive experience in physical education research and teaching, Dr. Mercier leads the Undergraduate Physical Education Program and contributes significantly to the academic community through scholarly research and professional service.
Dr. Mercier earned his Ed.D. from Teachers College Columbia University in 2011, following an M.S. and B.S. from Ithaca College. His academic journey includes teaching assistant positions at both Teachers College Columbia University and Ithaca College, as well as over a decade of experience as a Health and Physical Education Teacher in the North Shore School District.
Dr. Mercier's research focuses on understanding the complex relationships between teachers' and students' attitudes, physical education teacher education, fitness testing methodologies, and comprehensive school physical activity programs. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in physical education settings, emphasizing how emotional experiences, goal orientations, and perceived mattering influence teaching effectiveness and student outcomes. Through his research, he has developed validated instruments like the Teacher Motivation in Physical Education Questionnaire and the Youth Physical Activity Attitudes Scale.
His recent scholarly output reveals a strong emphasis on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical education, with multiple studies examining remote teaching adaptations, student attitudes during disruption, and strategies for moving forward. His research demonstrates consistent attention to emotional aspects of teaching and learning in physical education, longitudinal student development, and evidence-based approaches to fitness assessment.
- SHAPE America Curriculum and Instruction Helen Heitman Young Scholar of the Year (2017)
- NYS AHPERD - Nassau Zone Higher Education Teacher Recognition Award (2017)
- New York State AHPERD Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year (2009)
- New York State AHPERD Jay B. Nash Physical Education Major of the Year (1996)
Dr. Mercier has successfully secured multiple substantial grants, including several Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grants from the U.S. Department of Education, serving as grant writer and program evaluator for multiple school districts. He has mentored numerous graduate students and undergraduate researchers, guiding thesis projects and conference presentations on topics ranging from physical education policies to student attitudes toward physical activity. His leadership extends to university service as Co-Chair of the Faculty Senate Committee on Scholarship at Adelphi University.
