COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (July 27, 2004) — Tennessee Tech University’s inaugural Elsie Jobe and Jewell Nolan Scholarship for Outstanding Graduate Work in the Health and Physical Education Distance Learning Degree Program was recently awarded to Terri Robinson of Soddy Daisy, a developmental physical education teacher at Big Ridge Elementary School.

Tennessee Tech’s online master’s degree in physical education became available in Fall 2003 to provide teachers the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree without leaving their teaching jobs.

Robinson earned her bachelor’s degree from Belmont University and completed an endorsement in special education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is currently working on her master’s degree through TTU’s Distance HPE program.

Her previous awards include the Barbara Tea Outstanding Secondary Award from Belmont University and the 2003 Outstanding Teacher Award from the Hixson, Tenn., Chamber of Commerce. Robinson also earned three top Hamilton County public school awards for the Jump Rope for Heart event and served as chairperson for the Elementary Physical Education Division of the Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Tennessee Tech created the award in honor of Elsie Jobe and Jewell Nolan, who served the Health and Physical Education Department from 1924 to 1969 and from 1942 to 1971, respectively, and became strong influences and role models for aspiring teachers.

--Karen Lykins
This information posted 28 July 2004