Dr. Armond Seidler: Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
Posted on February 17, 2017
Funding a Graduate Fellowship Honoring Dr. Armond Seidler
As our society faces serious public health concerns, including widespread increases in chronic disorders, there is increased momentum to support the education of highly qualified health, fitness and physical education professionals. These individuals are invaluable resources and guides, positively impacting the well-being of children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
It is in this spirit that alumni and friends of the UNM College of Education Department of Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences (HESS) are establishing an endowed graduate fellowship in Dr. Armond Seidler’s name to help the Department continue to educate students to serve as future leaders in these fields.
In 1957, Dr. Seidler joined the HESS faculty. He taught for 33 years, served 14 years as department chair, and has been recognized nationally for his contributions to the field of sports and physical education facility planning and utilization.
Dr. Seidler’s vision and leadership, including the expansion of Johnson Center and the development of outstanding graduate programs, greatly strengthened the department’s foundation. Thanks to his enduring legacy, HESS is a leader in preparing students for careers in athletic training, exercise science, community health education, physical education, and sport administration.
Dr. Charles B. “Chuck” Corbin received his doctorate in Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences in 1965, the second UNM graduate to do so. Dr. Seidler was his Ph.D. mentor and a major influence on his studies. Corbin, who is also an internationally recognized leader and author within the health and fitness movement, is leading an effort by students, alumni, family, colleagues and friends to fully fund an endowment in honor of Dr. Seidler’s accomplishments and dedication. Others serving on the committee to fund the endowment include UNM grads Dave Barney, Bob Barney, Bill Blair, Ron Feingold, Jim Hulsman, Ernie Lange, Ken Tillman, and faculty members Gloria Napper-Owen and Frank Papcsy.
“Dr. Seidler was a pillar at UNM and really enhanced physical education,” said Coach Jim Hulsman. “He has a strong following among his students because he made time for everyone, and truly cared about each student.”
The Armond H. Seidler, Ph.D. Endowed Fellowship will provide vital support for outstanding
Ph.D. candidates. The HESS graduate program offers advanced degrees that prepare students for positions involving health, fitness and sports in higher education, scientific research, and community, public, and worksite leadership. Alumni have risen to leadership positions and received numerous awards, and the highly selective Ph.D. program in Sports Administration is one of the country’s oldest and largest.
“Many HESS students have gone on to achieve significant accomplishments that have improved the health and fitness of people in New Mexico, in the US and around the world,” stated Chuck Corbin. “I am proud to support efforts to fund a fellowship in Armond Seidler’s name, as a way to assist future students and continue this tradition of excellence.”
