Paul M. Wright

Paul M. Wright is the EC Lane and MN Zimmerman Endowed Professor and Board of Trustees Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University's College of Education. He leads the Physical Activity and Life Skills (PALS) Group, focusing on applied research in youth development through physical activity. His academic roles include directing multiple funded projects totaling over $400,000 in grants, including initiatives in Belize, Sri Lanka, and Spain.

• Education: Ph.D. in Education (Curriculum and Instruction), M.S. in Kinesiology, and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from University of Illinois at Chicago.

His research emphasizes the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model, with applied work in positive youth development, social-emotional learning, and sport-for-development programs. Recent studies explore program implementation fidelity, cultural adaptation strategies, and policy evaluation in underserved communities.

Recent publications (2021-2023) highlight themes like life skills transfer in urban settings, leadership training for instructors, and feasibility studies in diverse cultural contexts. His work bridges theory-practice gaps through transdisciplinary collaboration.

• Awards: NAK Fellow (2022), Research Council Chair (SHAPE America), Illinois Scholar of the Year (2022).

Teaching responsibilities include doctoral supervision (EPS 799) and courses on youth development through physical activity (KNPE 399), measurement in PE (KNPE 445), and instructional skills (KNPE 569). He has directed major grants like the $224k Belizean Youth Sport Coalition project (2013-2016) and the $164k Head Start Body Start evaluation (2011-2012).

Labs/Initiatives: PALS Group drives engaged scholarship through programs like the responsibility-based leadership training and international sport-based development projects.