Dr. Bird is a former Dean of the College and Professor of Exercise and Sport Sciences. Before coming to Florida in 1985, he was Professor and Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs in the School of Education at the University of Virginia. Dr. Bird was also on the Exercise Science faculty at the University of Minnesota, where he taught and directed the Undergraduate Studies and Activity programs, in addition to being a highly successful gymnastics coach. Among Dean Bird’s proudest accomplishments is initiating the PhD programs at the University of Florida and the University of Virginia. “This is one of the most worthwhile things I have done. The contributions our disciplines make to society are almost entirely dependent upon two factors: the quality of our research and the caliber of the scholars we produce. It is with this in mind that the dissertation award was established.” Dr. Bird earned his PhD, specializing in exercise physiology, from the University of Minnesota. He received his MS and BS from the University of Illinois. He has more than 36 years of experience as an educator and has published more than 60 articles.

Patrick J Bird Dissertation Research Award: This award is to assist students with costs related to the completion of their doctoral dissertation. Applicants must have the first three chapters of their dissertation proposal approved by their committee, but have not yet defended.

CRITERIA

Strength of academic experience, including articles published, teaching experience, and service to profession.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this award, the applicant will be required to submit the following to Ms. DeEtta Rhodes in 200 FLG by 4:00 p.m.:

1. Personal Statement including future goals as a professional (no more than 2 pages);
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Two letters of recommendation, at least one from your Major Professor/Committee Chairperson
4. Research abstract (one page); and
5. Award application

Application Deadline: