Emeritus Professor receives Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
Charles 'Chuck' Corbin honored for his work in the field of youth physical fitness and kinesiology
From left: Hosung So, Chuck Corbin, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and Hyeonho Yu. Courtesy photo
Arizona State University Emeritus Professor Charles “Chuck” Corbin recently received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions spanning more than 60 years in the field of youth physical fitness and kinesiology.
Corbin was nominated for the honor, which is awarded by AmeriCorps and President Joe Biden, by the International Organization for Health, Sport and Kinesiology.
Corbin is one of the world’s foremost authorities on children and youth physical fitness, physical activity, physical education and kinesiology, according to the International Organization for Health, Sport and Kinesiology. He has been a statesman in innovation and leadership in physical education and kinesiology. His enduring legacy as a top researcher and scholar is exemplified by his dedication to promoting youth physical activity and health and youth fitness testing, pioneering work in fitness education and his passion for conveying the relevance of research to practitioners and the public.
Corbin’s books for K–12 ("Fitness for Life") and college ("Concepts of Fitness and Wellness") have earned awards for excellence and have been used by hundreds of thousands of young people. Corbin has been referred to as the “father of fitness education” for his pioneering books and research articles.
Corbin points to his HELP philosophy as a foundation for his work. The philosophy, “Health for Everyone for a Lifetime in a very Personal way,” is designed to change the focus from performance-only to helping all people find health-enhancing activities that they can enjoy throughout life.
To receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, you must have contributed 5,000 hours of service and be nominated with a letter documenting the contributions. Many of Corbin’s contributions were to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, FitnessGram (national youth fitness test), the Institute of Medicine (now National Academy of Medicine), various professional organizations and the Arizona Governor's Council on Physical Fitness.
The award includes a medal, a letter from the President and a certificate, which were presented to Corbin at the National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education during its national convention in Phoenix in January.
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