The Frank W. Bearden Award

• Jump to past winners

The "Frank W. Bearden Award for Teaching Excellence" in the Lifetime Physical Activity Program is given to the Lifetime Physical Activity Program specialist who has shown her/himself to be an outstanding teacher and advocate of physical activity. The award is voted on by students and is based on their belief that a particular specialist has gone beyond the ordinary demands of teaching to inspire, support and encourage students to become physically active.

2007 Award Winner: Roger White

Roger White, Head Women's Tennis Coach and LPAP Specialist, has recently been named the 2006-2007 Frank W. Bearden Award winner. Coach White has been an instructor in the Lifetime Physical Activity Program for six years, and has consistently been nominated for this honor, even winning in 2002. Coach White is a dedicated teacher and true advocate for physical activity. Students who are lucky enough to take his Introduction to Tennis and Intermediate Tennis courses find him to be patient, encouraging, and highly skilled. A recent quote from one student who took his class this Spring demonstrates why Coach White is so deserving of the Frank W. Bearden Award for Teaching Excellence:

"He has been a wonderful coach! From day one, he was enthusiastic and encouraging about getting people into tennis and ensuring that everyone, by the end, will be able to play. He not only teaches well in group settings, he also manages to give specialized instruction to anyone who wants advice or is willing to listen. The structure of his class is perfect to encourage people to continue to play, to work on their skills, and most importantly, to have fun! I think his approach to teaching is amazingly beneficial for the students, and that many a Rice Academic teacher could take a few tips from his style and enthusiasm. Plus, I am now able to play tennis pretty decently, after barely being able to contact the ball."

Congratulations, Roger!

Past winners:

• Heather Thompson (2006)
• Chris Shoults (2005)
• Tracy King Perry (2003)
• Roger White (2002)
• Linda Phenix (2001)