Active Schools Institute
At the University of Northern Colorado Active Schools Institute (UNC-ASI), we believe active kids do better—in school and in life. Since 2016, we’ve been advancing interdisciplinary research and community partnerships to promote physical activity in K–12 schools. Through applied research, professional development, and hands-on student experiences UNC-ASI equips educators, supports school health organizations, and prepares future leaders to champion evidence-based practices that make physical activity a foundation for student success.
Mission and Vision
Mission: The UNC ASI’s mission is to cultivate and sustain active learning communities by preparing physical activity leaders, ensuring school/district personnel and school health organizations are supported/resourced, and capitalizing on data and evidence-based practices to champion physically active learning initiatives.
Vision: Active kids do better…in school and in life, every day. For K-12 students to benefit from physical activity, active learning communities must be cultivated and sustained.
Institute Objectives
Conduct community-engaged, applied research on school-based physical activity promotion
Offer tools, resources, and professional development to support the implementation and evaluation of an active school culture
Provide applied learning experiences to undergraduate and graduate students interested in school-based physical activity promotion
Lead Active Schools: MATPEPAL Graduate Program
Prepare to lead the next generation of active schools with UNC’s Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership, combining graduate-level coursework with hands-on experience in physical education and activity leadership. Gain the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to design, implement, and sustain comprehensive school physical activity programs that make a real difference for students.
Preparing Leaders in Physical Activity Promotion
One of our core goals is to educate and empower others about the vital role of physical education and physical activity in schools. We provide a wide range of professional development opportunities—spanning from one-hour workshops to full-day trainings and even graduate degrees—all centered on comprehensive school physical activity programming (CSPAP) and cultivating active school cultures. Whether partnering with schools or community organizations, we are dedicated to creating positive physical activity experiences that help youth thrive.
Research into Practice
At the UNC Active Schools Institute, we don’t just promote ideas—we promote what evidence shows truly works in schools. Our team regularly reviews the research literature to identify best practices and translate them into practical tools for educators and school leaders. We publish systematic reviews in academic journals and create user-friendly resources such as issue briefs, guidance documents, and advocacy tools. Together, these syntheses and supports make it easier for schools to implement proven strategies that promote active learning and student success.
Meet Our Director and Research Faculty
Our team contains both research faculty and graduate research assistants.
Brian Dauenhauer, Ph.D.- Institute Director
Jennifer Krause, Ph.D.- Research Faculty
Dannon Cox- Research Faculty
Megan Stellino- Research Faculty
Our Graduate Research Assistants
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Julie Bell
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Doug Heacox
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Trenna Jones
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Leanna Lawson
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Guancheng Liu
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Jason Stanworth
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