Tracy Nelson

Tracy Nelson is a Senior Lecturer at South Dakota State University (SDSU), affiliated with the School of Health and Human Sciences. She coordinates the physical education teacher education program and oversees coaching and officiating certifications. Her professional roles include serving on the South Dakota Discipline Council as SDSU's representative and holding leadership positions in organizations like SHAPE America Central District and SHAPE South Dakota.

Dr. Nelson holds a B.S. in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (1998), an M.S. in Educational Administration (2007), and an Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education (2012) from SDSU and the University of South Dakota. She has extensive K-12 teaching experience, including hybrid course development and roles as a volleyball, track, and basketball coach.

Her research focuses on Personalized Learning, Inter-professional Education, and Online/Hybrid Physical Education, with a particular interest in Brain Breaks and their impact on student engagement. She has secured significant grants, including the Pump Up Your Food Bucks project (USDA/NIFA/AFRI, $5,000,000, pending).

• Awards: Mabel Lee Award (2006), Teacher of the Year (2013), Honorary Coach (2013, 2016).

Her professional responsibilities span curriculum development, teacher certification oversight, and coaching coordination. She actively contributes to educational policy through committee memberships and has a strong background in both classroom instruction and athletic leadership.

Tracy Nelson is based at Wagner Hall 139, Brookings, SD 57007, and her office is located in Wagner Hall, Room 139.