For the last 20 years, Dr. Robert Case, health and kinesiology department chair, has made a big impression on the students and the campus at Sam Houston State University.
Case came to SHSU in 1983, and has been department chair the entire time he has been here.
While chair, Case served as liaison for the design and development of the HKC when it was being constructed on campus.
Case is also actively involved in his teaching, sponsoring numerous clubs, and serving on committees in the community.
Case doesn’t just teach fitness, he practices it.
Two years ago, he was nationally ranked in racquetball and continues to play recreationally.
“I’ve always tried to reflect what I teach and talk about, and that’s fitness and wellness,” Case said. “I want to provide an image of what we’re about and be a person who remains fit.”
He is the sponsor of the University Racquetball Club, as well as the Jump Rope Club, new to campus this semester.
Case is also on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association. He is sponsoring Hoops for Heart this month to raise money for the association funding research for the number one premature killer, cardiovascular disease.
“There will be 20 teams playing three-on-three basketball and the finals will be held during halftime at the men and women’s basketball games against Stephen F. Austin Feb. 22,” Case said.
While at SHSU, Case has served as Thesis Advisor and was on the Athletic coaching selection committee.
He designed the Adult Fitness Management graduate degree option and Fitness undergraduate degree specialization.
Case was also the SHSU athletic director from 1990-1992.
“He is very active,” said colleague Dr. Diana Avans, assistant professor. “He’s a good role model for kinesiology students; a very upbeat person.”
Some kinesiology students said they respected Case, and looked to him when they needed help.
“He cares about students,” kinesiology major Rusty Claxton said. “He’s very interactive and down to earth.”
“He knows every student’s name and tries to help you if you go to him,” senior Theo Glover said.
Claxton took Case’s class on Organization and Administration of Kinesiology and Recreation.
“He gets down on your level to help you understand,” Claxton said.
Case also teaches Lifestyles and Wellness, Sports Management and Facilities and Equipment in Kinesiology.
Case has several publications to his name including the book, “Administrative Theory & Practice in Physical Education & Athletics.”
For the last five years, he has written a series of articles called “Health Matters” published in The Huntsville Item. The series covers health issues such as weight control and stress management.
“As a result of the articles, I’ve developed relationships within the community,” Case said. “People recognize me in the grocery store and tell me they read my article and want to try to do that.”
He has also published articles in the NASPE News; Texas Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, The Physical Educator, W. V. Journal of HPERS, Black and Gold Bulletin, Research & Review; Coach & Athlete, JOPERD, North Carolina Journal of HPER, Illinois Journal of HPER and the Journal of Sports Management.
Case said he remains humble about his many accomplishments.
“I’ve done a lot of stuff here, but I’ve been here a long time,” Case said.
This will be Case’s last year as department chair.
“I really don’t know how I feel about that,” he said. “I have only been department chair so I’ll have to sit and see what it feels like to not be.
“I’ll still be involved in my teaching, the clubs I sponsor and working for committees,” he said. “Someone else will have an opportunity to be the chair.”
Case said he has great respect for his students.
“Most of them have to work their way through school and they expect us to provide something worthwhile,” he said. “They take school very seriously and I’ve enjoyed the kinds of students we have here.”
Case is a professor who enjoys his field and shows that in his work.
“With any profession, if you’re doing it and enjoying it, then you’re living it,” said Case.