Southern Miss Doctoral Alum Hired by West Virginia University

Dr. Clayton Kuklick, a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi School of Human Performance and Recreation, recently accepted a position at West Virginia University (WVU) as a full-time teaching assistant professor in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.

Kuklick, who earned his doctoral degree in human performance and recreation, successfully defended his dissertation titled “Reflective Practice in a Coach Education Practicum” in June. Kuklick said his dissertation provided him with a skill set to educate coaches and help develop coaching education as a field of study.

“Clayton demonstrated significant growth over the past three years and possesses a deep understanding of coach learning and development,” said his doctoral committee chair, Dr. Brian Gearity, assistant professor of sport coaching education. “A leading scholar in the field of coaching education told me Clayton's dissertation research will likely be considered a pioneering study. We're proud to call Clayton one of our own and I look forward to collaborating with him in the future as a colleague."

Kuklick will teach classes covering sport movement analysis, motor learning and performance, and principles of human movement. He looks forward to educating pre-service coaching students in the athletic coaching education program and working with the WVU faculty.

“I cannot thank The University of Southern Mississippi and the School of Human Performance and Recreation enough for the opportunity to pursue my Ph.D.,” said Kuklick. “I have created a lot of great relationships during my time at Southern Miss, so it certainly hurts to have to leave. I am extremely grateful to have had Dr. Brian Gearity as my dissertation advisor. Without his mentoring and care throughout the dissertation process, it would not have been possible.”

To learn more about the School of Human Performance and Recreation, visit www.usm.edu/hpr.