Dixie State University’s Health & Human Performance faculty have been exemplifying “active learning. active life.” by showcasing their talents and research throughout the community. Joseph Lovell, assistant professor of recreation management, received a statewide outstanding professional academic award from the Utah Recreation and Sports Association for his exceptional accomplishments at DSU and in the community. The award recognizes professors from recreation-related programs who have significantly contributed to the recreation, tourism and sport industry. Lovell has given two national presentations and one international presentation on current research and community initiatives to improve the health and wellness of society through sport and leisure activities.  He has also had one peer-reviewed journal publication in an international journal and one peer-reviewed publication in a periodical. His student evaluations for the past year were 3.66 or higher with six classes reporting perfect 4.0 ratings. “Having him as a faculty member and bringing his activity at the local, state and national levels into the classroom is just outstanding and provides so many opportunities for our students,”  Susan Hart, Health & Human Performance Department chair, said. In addition to Lovell’s accomplishments for DSU, Travis Ficklin, assistant professor of exercise science and biomechanics, had seven abstracts accepted for presentation at the DSU Teaching and Learning Conference. Six of these projects were driven by Trailblazer students and accomplished through Dr. Ficklin’s Biomechanics and Sports Science Lab. “Not only do students get the educational opportunity to be involved with research, but they also get to put something on their graduate program applications that can get them recognized,” Hart said. “The opportunity to research with Ficklin is something other undergraduate students don’t often have until they get to graduate school.” For more information on DSU’s Health & Human Performance Department, visit health.utahtech.edu.