Featured Faculty
June 2007

Background

Hello, I am Bridget Melton and I teach in the Department of Health and Kinesiology here at Georgia Southern University. I have an interesting appointment as an assistant professor, not only do I teach a variety of Health courses for the Department, but I am the Director of the Physical Activity and Healthful Living Programs. So, I oversee both of those programs and the graduate students who teach those courses.

I earned my Doctorate of Education in Curriculum Studies here at Georgia Southern University. My dissertation topic focused on the factors that influence obesity in the university setting, which I still actively research and study today. I also hold a M.S. in Kinesiology emphasis in Exercise Physiology from Georgia Southern University and B.A. from Purdue University in Movement and Sport Science.

To maintain my professionalism, I am an active member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD), Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (GAHPERD), and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

If we meet you might notice that I am originally not from the Georgia area, although I am told I am developing a southern accent. I was born and raised in Chicago, however I did fall in love with the south and my husband of 6 years. We have two beautiful girls: Nia (3.5 years) and Ella (2 yrs) and our son, Liam was born on June 11th! With such as great family, it is no wonder I enjoy spending my time with them being active in the community. I also try to live by what I preach, so you will find me exercising in Georgia Southern's RAC about 4 days per week.

Teaching & Learning

I truly love to teaching, especially in the area of Health and Wellness. I feel not matter what field of interest you have, that everyone is impacted of by their personal health behaviors and I am honored to have such an impact on ones life.

As mentioned before, I oversee the Healthful Living and Physical Activity program, and I have developed two philosophies for our undergraduate students. First and foremost, I believe everyone needs to have the tools for a healthy lifestyle and that is why our program at Georgia Southern University is a requirement for undergraduate students. Those tools are the knowledge about health concepts learned in HLTH 1520 and the skills gained during the participation in two physical activity courses.

I also believe that college is a time for personal growth and discovery, and sometime those discoveries are not so good; but as long as you can learn from your choices, you are headed in the right direction.

Joanne Chopak-Foss, and Ronnie and Bridget Melton on the golf course

Because I work with over 40 graduate assistants, I have a different outlook on my responsibility to them through my teaching and scholarship. Many of our graduate assistants are young professional trying to better themselves in their careers. I feel I am here to be mentor and guide them to achieving their professional goals. I feel passionately about getting our graduate students to assume leadership roles within teaching and scholarship of our program and department.

Along with teaching my undergraduate and graduate students, I am constantly challenged and learn more about myself and my world, so the teaching is truly full circle.

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