MARIA NEWTON

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Health & Kinesiology.  I am a strong advocate for a physically active lifestyle. I am passionate about exploring how the social psychological climate in physical activity settings impacts motivation.  My research supports the notion that the more teachers and coaches promote and prioritize mutual respect, support, effort, and improvement, the more motivation is fostered. 

I'm equally passionate about my role as an educator.  I teach our introductory course (KINES 2500) as well as a graduate course in theories of motivation.  I have two goals in the classroom:  (1) to create a setting where students feel connected and empowered to excel; and (2) provide experiences that foster content expertise.