With her energetic style, calm Southern drawl, and sincere willingness to help her students succeed, Associate Professor of Kinesiology (KNS) Kathy Barlow has impacted countless lives and professional careers in the Whittier College community. In fact, Barlow—the 2017 Nerhood Award Recipient—is one of the reasons that KNS is one of the most popular majors on campus.
Since 2004, Barlow has worked with her students helping them learn the basics of teaching physical education and conducting fitness research. And, as director of the sports management emphasis in KNS, she helped restructure the program to prepare graduates for careers as athletic and compliance directors, sporting event and venue managers, sports agents, marketers, and promoters, as well as for positions in public and community relations. One key element of the program is a focus on practical experience—Barlow and fellow KNS professors tap into their networks to help students obtain valuable internships.
During the 2017 Honors Convocation, surrounded by colleagues dressed in academic regalia, Barlow graciously received the prize named after Professor Emeritus of History Harry W. Nerhood that recognizes overall excellence in teaching.
While presenting the award, Dean of Faculty Darrin Good mentioned the admirable comments he received about Barlow during the nomination process.
One student nominator said, Barlow “is the reason why my senior presentation was successful and why I want to go to graduate school. I feel that an excellent teacher is someone who makes winners out of ordinary people, and that is something Barlow does. She turns her students into the successful individuals who are ready for any class, internship, or job that we will encounter.”
Another student commented that “Barlow had the ability to develop an atmosphere in the classroom so electric that everyone in the room wanted to learn, be engaged in the conversation, and become better. We did become better because of her. We became stronger students and better prepared future professionals.”
Throughout her career, Barlow has received numerous recognitions, including the Whittier Area School Administrators Award for making a difference in the lives of the children in the community; the Presidential Award for inspiring faculty-student collaboration on research, scholarship, and creative activity; and the Marilyn Vietch Award for her outstanding contribution to Whittier College and dedication to the students.
Barlow received B.S. and M.S. degrees in health and physical education from Louisiana Tech University. She holds a Ph.D. in athletic administration and education leadership from Texas Woman’s University.