Larry Paul Nelson

Larry Paul Nelson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where he has served since 2011. He earned a Ph.D. in Sport Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado, and holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in Physical Education and Exercise Science from Colorado State University. His work focuses on advancing experiential learning models, particularly service-learning initiatives that integrate physical activity to enhance social-emotional learning and community engagement. Dr. Nelson co-founded Dancing Classrooms North Texas, an award-winning program impacting over 60,000 students through dance education.

He has received prestigious awards including the UT System’s Regent’s Outstanding Teaching Award (2009) and the Arlington Sunrise Rotary Professor of the Year (2016). His research explores teacher efficacy, physical activity’s role in mental health, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Nelson has directed over a dozen grants totaling $200K+, focusing on youth development, outdoor education, and community partnerships. He supervises teacher education programs and advises students in kinesiology, emphasizing hands-on learning through fieldwork and internships.

Teaching responsibilities include courses like ‘Teaching Secondary Physical Education’ and ‘Coaching Net/Wall Games.’ Professional service spans roles on UTA’s Tenure Committee, editorial boards, and community leadership with Dancing Classrooms. His creative work includes documentary projects chronicling long-term impacts of educational interventions.