Nancy Stubbs

is honored with a Medium Paver from 152,630, A. P.E. (AWSUM).

Nancy Valentine Boyd Stubbs was born October 15, 1933 in Oneonta, Alabama. An outdoor enthusiast, she spent her childhood leading the neighborhood kids to explore the creeks, hills, and caves of North Central Alabama. Her dad taught her to hunt and fish and to ride her own pony and horse. Nancy's mother operated the local cafe where Nancy learned the basics of her culinary skills.

Nancy participated in Drama Club and oratorical contests during high school. She played trumpet in the band and achieved all-state trumpet status for two successive years. She was Salutatorian of her 1952 graduating class.

At Auburn University, Nancy majored in physical education and science, becoming president of the "Physical Education Majors" Club. She played trumpet in the Auburn band, was active in campus government, and chartered the Auburn chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

After graduation in 1956, Nancy spent the next six years teaching physical education, speech, and drama at middle schools in Alabama and Florida. She also worked for the Montgomery, Alabama Recreation Department and convinced the city to begin competitive sports for junior high girls. As Assistant Director of the YWCA summer camp, she qualified as a certified rifle instructor.

Nancy returned to Auburn to earn her master's degree in 1963, after which she went to Winthrop College in Rockhill, South Carolina to coach volleyball, basketball, and tennis. While there, she started the South Carolina Girl's State High School Volleyball Tournament. She then earned her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where she established the women's track program.

In 1973, Dr. Stubbs joined the Wichita State University faculty where, in addition to refereeing track and field events, she developed the "Exercise Science Major" at the graduate and undergraduate levels. She worked with Wesley Medical Center to start the "Step in Time" program for phase III cardiac rehab patients. The program also provided preventive exercise for individuals with high blood pressure who were at risk for stroke and/or other cardiac problems.

In 1983, Dr. Stubbs began the P.E.152A course at WSU's Heskett Center. This personal fitness class promoted physical fitness for senior citizens, which resulted in the "AWSUM" slogan of "Active Walking Seniors Uniquely Motivated."

Dr. Stubbs encourages people of all ages to maintain physical and mental health through regular exercise and balanced nutrition. Her current achievement in that regard is the concept for "The Center for Physical Activity and Aging," which was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents in 1996.

September 5, 1998