The University of Central Oklahoma’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies will now bear the name of Virginia Peters, Ph.D., alumna and former department chairperson for the UCO Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies. The naming recognizes Peters’ longtime dedication to the university as a former student-athlete, faculty member, department chairperson and coach. Pictured, far left to right, Jerel Cowan, Ph.D., interim assistant dean for the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies; and, Virginia Peters, Ph.D.
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UCO Honors former Chairperson and Alumna
Beginning this summer, the University of Central Oklahoma’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, housed in the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies, will now bear the name of Virginia Peters, Ph.D., alumna and former department chairperson for the UCO Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies.
The newly named Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies recognizes Peters’ longtime dedication to the university as a former student-athlete, faculty member, department chairperson and coach.
The naming of the department is tied to an endowment – “The Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies Fund,” which will benefit students, programs and faculty within the department, as well as an unrestricted fund to help strengthen the department by providing scholarships, equipment, recruitment and retention.
“The department naming appropriately commemorates Dr. Peters’ 34 years of contributions to UCO, our state and nation through her teaching, coaching, service and leadership excellence,” said Bryan Duke, Ph.D., dean of the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies.
“She has been a trailblazer for women’s athletics and for decades has elevated the awareness of importance to health and sports programs for children and adults across our state and nation. I am grateful and excited that we now have the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies.”
Peters started her journey at Central as a student in 1953. In 1958, Peters returned to UCO, formerly Central State University, as an instructor — teaching health, physical education, recreation and dance. She served multiple roles on campus, including intramural director, department chairperson, women's athletic director and coordinator of graduate studies in health and physical education. Peters’ accolades stretch beyond this dedication, including the Woman Faculty Member Award, Distinguished Alumni Award and honorary colonel in the Oklahoma National Guard. Additionally, she was inducted into the Jim Thorpe Oklahoma Athletic Hall of Fame.
“This is a wonderful honor for me, shared with current and former students, faculty and friends,” Peters said.
“I greatly appreciate the people who initiated the project, as well as the ones who donated to the attached endowment fund. I am happy that the money raised will help the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies’ students, faculty and programs.”
Academic programs within the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies focus on providing students with the skills and experiences to take on challenges and remain a valuable resource in their field of choice.
To learn more or to contribute to the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, visit give.uco.edu/project/33611.
For more information about the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies, visit uco.edu/ceps.