Women's Studies courses brought together many passions for me, and eventually led to my now being in an M.Ed. program in order to teach women's history at the college level. - Shirley Glines '00, interdisciplinary studies major, women's studies minor

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Deborah John

Assistant Professor of Physical Education

B.S., University of New Orleans; M.S., University of West Florida; Ph.D., Oregon State University
Email: dhjohn@plymouth.edu

Dr. Deborah John joined the PSU faculty in Fall 2004. She earned her Ph.D. from Oregon State University in exercise and sport science, sport and exercise psychology, with a minor in gender studies. Her research interests have included investigations into the psychological influence of women's physical activity behaviors, an exploration of the lived experiences of midlife women, specifically the interactions of women's physical self-conceptions, perceptions of personal control, and exercise involvement during the menopause transitional period, as well as a multi-method/multi-stage project to gain greater understanding of the concept of objectified body consciousness, viewing one's body as something separate from one's self, in the physical domain.

Dr. John teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Physical Education, Health, and the Women's Studies Program, such as Psychological Aspects of Exercise and Sport, Women and Sport Culture, and Sociocultural Dimensions of Physical Activity. She feels privileged to teach in the Department of Health and Human Performance and is developing new courses and curricula that employ a theory-to-practice approach to learning.

"Through our programs, it is my hope that our students will transition from participants to practitioners in their chosen field and option, developing individual responsibilities that include personal control over their bodies, physicality, and health, as well as collective efficacy to promote broader transformations to a physically active society."