Benjamin Kern

Ben D. Kern, PhD, CSCS, joins the University of Northern Colorado as a faculty member in the College of Natural and Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Dietetics. Dr. Kern’s work focuses on physical education policy, school-based physical activity, physical education teacher education, and the conditions that shape students’ access to meaningful physical education instruction. His current scholarship includes national surveillance of physical education and physical activity policy implementation that is featured on the open-access interactive dashboard called the School Health Map. In addition to his research on physical education access, Dr. Kern’s scholarly work includes the study of pedagogy in school-based strength and conditioning settings, teacher change, and professional development. 

Dr. Kern began his career as a physical education and science teacher and athletics director at Center High School in Center, Colorado. He later directed the strength and conditioning program at Adams State University before working with the Rocky Mountain Prevention Research Center at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, where he contributed to school health and physical activity initiatives connected to the Colorado School of Public Health. His academic preparation reflects deep ties to both Colorado and Illinois. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology–K-12 Physical Education from Western Colorado University, a master’s degree in Exercise Science and graduate coursework in Educational Leadership from Adams State University, and a PhD in Kinesiology–Physical Education Pedagogy from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

Before coming to UNC, Dr. Kern served on the faculty at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Wyoming, where he was an associate professor and program coordinator for Physical Education Teacher Education. Across these roles, he has worked closely with teachers, schools, professional organizations, and policy leaders to strengthen physical education as an essential part of a well-rounded education. His path to UNC represents a return to Colorado and an opportunity to continue advancing research, teaching, and public engagement that supports healthier schools and more equitable opportunities for students to be physically active. 

2017 Doctor of Philosophy
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Concentration:  Kinesiology – Physical Education Pedagogy
Advisor: Dr. Kim C. Graber

2006 Continuing Education – 30 master’s level credits
Adams State University (Alamosa, Colorado)
Concentration:  Educational Leadership – Principal Licensure

2002 Master of Arts
Adams State University (Alamosa, Colorado)
Concentration:  Exercise Science

1999 Bachelor of Arts
Western Colorado University (Gunnison, Colorado)
Concentration: Kinesiology K-12 Physical Education

2026-present Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition, & Dietetics (KiND)
University of Northern Colorado

2024-2026 Associate Professor, Division of Kinesiology & Health
University of Wyoming

2021-2026 Program Coordinator, Physical Education Teacher Education, Division of Kinesiology & Health, University of Wyoming

2021-2023 Coordinator of Student Teaching Internships, Division of Kinesiology & Health, University of Wyoming

2020-2024 Assistant Professor, Division of Kinesiology & Health
University of Wyoming

2019-2020 Interim Assistant Director, School of Kinesiology
University of Louisiana at Lafayette

2016-2020 Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology
University of Louisiana at Lafayette

2013-2016 Teaching Assistant, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

2008-2016 Adjunct Instructor, Department of Human Performance and Physical Education
Adams State University
2011-2013 Research Assistant – Site Coordinator
Rocky Mountain Prevention Research Center
University of Colorado – Denver Anschutz Medical Campus
2008-2011 Director of Strength & Conditioning / Associate Athletics Director
Adams State University, Department of Athletics
2002-2008 Physical Education and Science Teacher / Athletics Director
Center High School, Center, Colorado

Dr. Kern’s work focuses on physical education policy, school-based physical activity, physical education teacher education, and the conditions that shape students’ access to meaningful physical education instruction.

* = Corresponding author, ** = Student mentee, *** = In-service teacher collaborator

Kern, B. D. (in press). The biggest issue in physical education is access. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2026.2691640

Webster, C. A., Moon, J., Kern, B. D., Reed, J., Becerra, V., Erwin, H., McLoughlin, G. M., Craig, D., Dauenhauer, B., & Tejeda-Delgado, C. (2026). Chasing rainbows: An interview study of middle school principals’ whole-of-school physical activity beliefs. European Physical Education Review. Ahead of Print. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X261464361

**Biver, S., Kern, B. D., van der Mars, H., & Shacham, E. (2026). The association between school physical education practices and school level socioeconomic status. Journal of School Health, 96(9), e70217. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.70217

**Torres, M., Kern, B. D., & Correia, F. (2026). PE frequency and academic proficiency: A statewide analysis of Illinois schools. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. Ahead of Print. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2025-0554

Killian, C. M., D’Agostino, E. M., Kern, B. D., Kim, C. Y., **King, D., & Thompson, H. R. (2026). Revitalizing the US Youth Presidential Fitness Test: Are States Prepared to Support Implementation? Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, Practice, and Policy, 23, 1–7. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2026/25_0456.htm#contribAff

**King, D., Killian, C. M., Kern, B. D., Paulson, L., Wilson, W. J., Woo, D. S., & Wallhead, T. (2026). State of the states policy report: Physical education and physical activity policy in the United States and its territories. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 97(1), 20-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2025.2579457

Kern, B. D. (2026). From Shape of the Nation to State of the States: The evolution and impact of physical education and physical activity policy reports. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 97(1), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2025.2579454
Ricci, J. M., Kern, B. D., Killian, C. M., Trinh, A., Wilson, W. J., and van der Mars, H. (2026). Impact of state-level physical education policies on PE access in the United States: A comparative analysis of policy implementation and weekly PE minutes. Journal of School Health, 96(1), e70079. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.70079

Kahan, D., Kern, B. D., & van der Mars, H. (2026). Time for elementary physical education and estimated energy expenditure based on U.S. teacher report: Implications for strong policy development. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, Ahead of Print. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2024-0397

**Salaam, A., Kern, B. D., Judge, L. W., & Bellar, D. (2025). Effects of personal mobile devices on social behavior and physical activity among young adults: A multi-group comparison study. The Physical Educator, 82(5), 616-636. https://doi.org/10.18666/TPE-2025-V82-I5-12518

*Kern, B. D., **Wright, A., Tolhurst, A., & ***Morrison, J. (2025). Strength & conditioning in physical education: Meeting the needs of all students by design. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 96(5), 14-23.https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2025.2463895

Smith, F. T., Kern, B. D., Gura, C., Singhi, S., & Batista, R. A. (2025). The National Physical Activity Plan early childhood education strategy: State policy surveillance. Childhood Obesity. https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2024.0383

*Kern, B. D., Wilson, W. J., Killian, C. M., Paulson, L., van der Mars, H., Woo, D., & Wallhead, T. (2025). Declining physical education access in U.S. schools: A state-by-state analysis of policy implementation. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 45(2), 347 – 361.https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2024-0258

Killian, C. M., Kern, B. D., Wilson, W. J., & van der Mars, H. (2025). Geographic and grade-level disparities in access to school-based physical activity opportunities across 25 U.S. states. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 22(2), 235-244. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2024-0340

*Kern, B. D., & ***Palmer, L. (2025). Development and maturation of school principals’ viewpoint of physical education’s value to the academic mission: An occupational socialization perspective. European Physical Education Review, 31(4), 525-540. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X241287471

*Kern B. D. (2024). The PE crisis: A call to restore access to physical education in US schools. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 95(9), 3-4. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2024.2400006

*Kern, B. D., Wilson, W. J., Killian, C., van der Mars, H., Simonton, K., Wallhead, T., & Woo, D. (2024). Physical education access in US public schools: A multi-state, multi-region study.Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 44(1), 78-90. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2023-0340

Merica, C. B., Egan, C. A., Webster, C. A., Kern, B. D., Orendorff, K., Simonton, K. (2024). “We can do this”: Physical educators’ role breadth self-efficacy to be involved with CSPAPs from an occupational socialization perspective. European Physical Education Review, 31(2), 183-204. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X241254738

*Kern, B. D., Malinowski, P. R., & Stephenson, D. (2024). WYO PETe and WAHPERD: origin, development, and successes of a great western alliance. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 95(5), 21-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2024.2319528

Woo, D., Kern, B. D. Killian, C., Wilson, W. J., van der Mars, H., & Pierrottet, C. (2024). Five questions state boards should ask about students’ access to physical education. National Association of State Boards of Education, Power of the Question, 7(2). https://www.nasbe.org/five-questions-state-boards-should-ask-about-students-access-to-physical-education/

*Kern, B. D., & Patton, K. (2024). Continuing professional development in physical education: Perspectives and future directions. Kinesiology Review, 13(2), 186-196. https://doi.org/10.1123/kr.2024-0006

Greenberg, J. D., van der Mars, H., McKenzie, T. L., Battista, R. A., Chriqui, J., Cornett, K., Graber, K. C., Kern, B. D., Russell, J. A., Ward, D. S., & Wilson, W. J. (2024). The role of physical education within the National Physical Activity Plan. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 95(2), 7-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2023.2291641

Richards, K. A. R., Smith-Suchon, N., Kinder, C. J., Kern, B. D., Graber, K. C., & Woods, A. M. (2024). Understanding midwestern U.S. teacher socialization during the COVID-19 pandemic. European Physical Education Review. 30(3), 397-413. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X231209689

Simonton, K., Wallhead, T., & Kern, B. D. (2024). Relationships between students’ emotional experiences and cognitive and physical achievement during a middle school Sport Education season. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 43(3), 405-415. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2023-0022

**Malinowski, P. R., Kern, B. D., Wallhead, T. (2024). Adopting instructional models in physical education: The influence of occupational socialization. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 43(1), 93-101. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2022-0142

*Kern, B. D., Bellar, D., & Wilson, W. J. (2023). Examining the knowledge and training of secondary school physical educators providing strength and conditioning programming. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 43(1), 102-113. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2022-0291

*Kern, B. D., Wilson, W. J., Bellar, D., & **Rasheed, S. (2023). Strength and conditioning in US schools: A qualitative investigation of physical educators’ socialization and professional experiences. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 43(1), 31-38. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2022-0207

Wilson, W. J., Richards, K. A. R., Malinowski, P. R., & Kern, B. D. (2023). Fostering positive relationships among adapted and general physical educators in support of students with disabilities. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, 94(6), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2023.2221716

Wilson, W. J., Yun, J. K., & Kern B. D. (2022). Quantifying the contribution of physical education and recess to children’s habitual physical activity. The Elementary School Journal, 123(2), 253-270. https://doi.org/10.1086/721862

**Imagbe, S., Kern, B. D., & Clemons, J. (2022). Gender and grade level differences in teaching and assessing health-related fitness topics among US physical educators. Journal of Health and Physical Literacy, 1(1), 35-55. https://johpl.org/index.php/johpl/article/view/3

*Kern, B. D., Wilson, W. J., **Malinowski, P., & Wallhead, (2022). Pedagogical practices among physical educators of different dispositions toward change: Results of a multi-region survey of US physical educators. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 42(2), 256-266. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2021-0192

Ellison, D. W., Kern, B. D., Killian, C. M. (2022). Why they remain: Factors influencing teaching sustainability in high-poverty schools. Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 27(6), 654-668. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408989.2021.1934661

*Kern, B. D., **Malinowski, P. R., ***Hunt, K., ***McIlnay, S., **Powell, B., & ***Stephenson, D. (2022). State of a state: Results from the Wyoming Physical Education and Physical Activity Policy Survey. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 41(4), 744-749. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2021-0161

**Malinowski, P. R., *Kern, B. D., Gallagher, M. A., & ***Ellington, A. (2021). Authentic integration of physical education and mathematics: The geometry racket. Strategies: A Journal for Sport and Physical Educators, 34(6), 18-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2021.1977752

Richards, K. A. R, Kern, B. D., Ayers, S. F., Woods, A. M., & Graber, K. C. (2021). A theoretically informed conceptual framework for recruitment and retention in PETE. Quest, 73(1), 63-81. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2020.1869568

*Kern, B. D., Killian, C. M., Ellison, D. W., Graber, K. C., Belansky, E., & Cutforth, N. (2021). Teacher beliefs and changes in practice through professional development. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 40(4), 606-617. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2019-0270

*Kern, B. D., Richards, K. A. R., Graber, K. C., Templin, T. J., & Housner, L. (2021). Toward an integrative model for teacher change in physical education. Quest, 73(1), 1-21.https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2020.1835680

*Kern, B. D., Ellison, D., Killian, C., & Widmer, F. (2020). Initial validation of the Teaching Sustainability Questionnaire and relationships of latent factors predicting physical education teachers’ intent to remain working in high poverty schools. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 24 (3), 181-193. https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367X.2020.1760870

Duncan, C., & Kern, B. D. (2020). Getting competition under control. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 91(2), 33-41.https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2019.1693451

Killian, C., Kern, B. D., Ellison, D. W., Graber, K. C. & Woods, A. M. (2020). State lawmaker’sviews on childhood obesity and related school wellness legislation. Journal of School Health, 90(4), 257-263. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12871

*Kern, B. D., **Imagbe, S., Bellar, D., & Clemons, J. M. (2020). Health-related fitness content knowledge, physical activity, and instructional practices among US physical educators. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 91(1), 92-101. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2019.1648744

Richards, K. A. R, Kern, B. D., Housner, L, & Templin, T. J. (2020). Preparing preservice teachers for the reality of life in schools: The role of doctoral education. Quest, 72(3), 278-295. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2019.1685555

*Kern, B. D., Graber, K. C., Woods, A. M., & Templin, T. (2019). The influence of socializing agents and teaching context among teachers of different dispositions toward change. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 38(3), 252-261. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0175

*Kern, B. D., Richards, K.A.R., Ayers, S., & Killian, C. (2019). Recruitment in PETE: Interview results and discussion. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 38(1), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0210

*Kern, B. D., Ayers, S., Killian, C., & Woods, A. M. (2019). Retention in PETE: Interview results and discussion. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 38(1), 61-67. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0213

Richards, K. A. R., Killian, C., Graber, K. C., & Kern, B. D. (2019). Studying physical education recruitment and retention: Qualitative and quantitative research methods. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 38(1), 22-36. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2018-0010

Woods, A. M., McLoughlin G., Kern, B. D., & Graber, K. C. (2018). What’s physical activity got to do with it?: Social trends in less active students at recess. Journal of School Health, 88(7), 500-507. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12637

*Kern, B. D., & Graber, K. C. (2018) Understanding teacher change: A national survey of US physical educators. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 89(1), 80-90. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2017.1411579

*Kern, B. D., Graber, K., Shen, S., & Hillman, C. H., McLoughlin, G. (2018). Association of school-based physical activity, socioeconomic status, and third grade reading. Journal of School Health, 88(1), 34-43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/josh.12581

Escalante, G., Gentry, C., Kern, B. D., & Waryasz, G. (2017) Injury patterns and rates of Costa Rican CrossFit® participants: A retrospective study. Medicina Sportiva: Journal of Romanian Sports Medicine Society, 13(2), 2927-2934. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/injury-patterns-rates-costa-rican-crossfit®/docview/1982065156/se-2

*Kern, B. D., & Graber, K. C. (2017). Physical education teacher change: Initial validation of the teacher change questionnaire-physical education. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 21(3), 161-173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1091367X.2017.1319371

Belansky, E., Cutforth, N., Kern, B. D., & Scarbro, S. (2016). Disseminating evidence-based physical education practices in rural schools: The San Luis Valley Physical Education Academy. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13(9), 1002-1009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2015-0467

Woods, A. M., Kern, B. D., McLoughlin G., & Graber, K. C. (2016). Social influence on school recess physical activity. Health Behavior and Policy Review, 3(2), 99-109. https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.3.2.2

*Kern, B. D., & Robinson, T.L. (2011). Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on performance and body composition in collegiate wrestlers and football players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25, 1804-1815. http://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e741cf

2025 Research Fellow, Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America
2023 President, Wyoming Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (WAHPERD)
2021 Honor Award, WAHPERD
2020 Reviewer of the Year for the journal, Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science (MPEES)
2020 Board member, Advocacy Committee Liaison, WAHPERD
2020 Vice-President, physical education. Louisiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (LAHPERD)
2019 Outstanding Scholar Award, LAHPERD
2019 Representative of State of Louisiana at Centers for Disease Control Healthy Schools Academy Training of Trainers (ToT) (1 of 3 selectees statewide)
2018 Joan D. and Alexander S. Haig Endowed Professorship in Education. University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Discretionary allocation amount: $4639.16, annually (3 yr. appointment)
2016 Seymour Sudman Dissertation Award. University of Illinois Survey Research Laboratory. Barriers to and facilitators of physical education teacher change. First place, $2,000 award.
2015 Academic Poster Award – 29th Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) International Conference – Addressing the obesity epidemic through legislation: Perspectives of state lawmakers.