Posted 7 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022
Johnson a leader in adapted physical activity
Editor’s note: This is the third of five articles introducing recipients of the UWL Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Awards. See all 2022 award recipients.
Providing community-based physical activity opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Thanks to Marquell Johnson, those in the Eau Claire area — and beyond — are receiving the essential, caring help they need.
Johnson, a professor in the UW-Eau Claire Department of Kinesiology, has been a mentor and leader for thousands in adapted physical activity for nearly two decades.
“His academic focus and interest in adapted physical activity aligns with his genuine interest of enhancing the well-being of people across multiple backgrounds and reducing health disparities,” says Jeffrey McCubbin, professor and dean emeritus at Colorado State University. “He has been a role model for others by living an active and healthy lifestyle and encouraging others from marginalized groups to do the same.”
McCubbin served as Johnson’s major professor and mentor when he was studying for his doctorate at Oregon State University, following graduate studies at UWL. Johnson earned a master’s in exercise and sport science, adapted physical education, in 2004.
Former UWEC colleague and current University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign faculty member Jamie O’Connor calls Johnson the epitome of an impactful educator.
“His passion for creating meaningful and accessible movement experience for student with disabilities often lead those students who had previously felt uncertain to intentionally seek out full-time positions in adapted physical education or an advance degree in the field,” O’Connor says.
Johnson is also known for promoting diversity. Through his teaching and leadership, he shares how health disparities created through systems of oppression and inequality impact the well-being of people of color and other underrepresented groups.
As a commissioner on the Eau Claire Area School District Board of Education, Johnson provides a unique perspective as a person of color. He also advises the Black Male Empowerment group, providing mentorship and leadership for African American men at UWEC.
“These are all critical roles that Dr. Johnson fills in his profession and community that improves the lives of those he serves,” notes Jeffrey Janot, UWEC Department of Kinesiology chair and professor.
Parker Distinguished Multicultural Alumni Award
Recognizes outstanding alumni who have contributed significantly to the improvement of multicultural understanding on campus and in their careers. History Professor Emeritus James Parker initiated the award in 1997.
Marquell Johnson, ’04
- Impactful instructor, author and researcher in disabilities, adapted physical education and activity.
- Professor, Department of Kinesiology, UW-Eau Claire.
- 2019 Outstanding Contributor Award for Access UW System; 2017 Dr. Ron Satz Teacher/Scholar Award, UW-Eau Claire; others.
- Master’s in exercise and sport science, adapted physical education, 2004; bachelor’s, Huntingdon College, 2001; doctorate, Oregon State University, 2008.
Nominate deserving alumni
Nominate deserving UWL alumni for the university’s distinguished alumni awards. Simply fill out the nomination form; the Alumni Office will contact nominees.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. They must be received by Oct. 1 to be considered for the award the following year.
See all past recipients .
Here are the award criteria.