About the PALS Group

The Physical Activity and Life Skills (PALS) Group at NIU uses sport and other physical activity programs to promote positive youth development and social change. We are leaders in best practices related to social and emotional learning (SEL) in physical education, sport-based youth development and international sport for development.

Leadership Team

• Paul M. Wright, Ph.D., executive director.
• Steve Howell, Ph.D., associate director.
• Jenn Jacobs, Ph.D., associate director.
• Jim Ressler, Ph.D., associate director.
• Zach Wahl-Alexander, Ph.D., associate director.

Faculty Members

• Shaine Henert, Ph.D.
• Marcella Otto, Ph.D.
• Tori Shiver, Ph.D.
• Laurie Zittel, Ph.D.

Students

Huskies from any area of study can get involved with us. For example, this article shows how students from many majors benefited from a sport diplomacy course. Most of the students who participate in our programs are enrolled in the KNPE department's academic programs. Students currently active with us include:

• Jared Anderson, graduate student, KNPE doctoral program.
• Jeff Bainbridge, graduate student, physical education master’s program.
• Javon Davis, graduate student, sport and exercise psychology master’s program.
• Karisa Kuipers, graduate student, KNPE doctoral program.
• Tim Mack, graduate student, sport and exercise psychology master’s program.
• Izaiah Webb, graduate student, sport and exercise psychology master’s program.
• Huntleigh Wozniak, graduate student, sport and exercise psychology master’s program.