Terry Rizzo, a professor in the Cal State San Bernardino kinesiology department, was honored at the American Kinesiology Association’s conference earlier this year for his outstanding leadership and service.

Rizzo, who joined CSUSB in 1988, was one of three academics who received the 2017 Jerry R. Thomas Distinguished Leadership award from the association. Rizzo was recognized with the 2017 A.K.A. Distinguished Leadership Award for undergraduate-level institutions.

Rizzo led the university’s kinesiology department as chair for 21 years. As a professor and chair, he has served on numerous university committees related to the administration and operation of the university, including the CSUSB Faculty Senate, Faculty Senate Executive Committee, co-chair of the CSUSB Strategic Planning Committee and chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee.

In 2016-2017, Rizzo served as interim assistant vice president and dean of undergraduate studies at CSUSB.

In 2008-2009, he served as president of the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) and the CAHPERD Board of the Directors. In addition, he served as president of the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities. Rizzo is an emeritus member of the A.K.A. Board of Directors.

Rizzo has earned many professional awards and honors through the years for his scholarly endeavors. He is also one of the few CSUSB faculty members to receive the university’s Outstanding Professor Award (for excellence in teaching, research and service) and the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching; both are the most coveted awards for faculty members on campus.

Rizzo has a doctorate in adapted physical education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; a master’s degree in physical education and secondary education from the University of Arizona; and a bachelor’s degree in physical education, elementary education and social science from Northeastern University.

Visit the American Kinesiology Association website and the Cal State San Bernardino Department of Kinesiology website to learn more about each program.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit inside.csusb.edu.