Research Interests
environmental extremesimproved athletic performancechildren and adolescents
Opportunities
Work Study Positions Available: No
Grant Funded Positions Available: No
Course-Credit Research Opportunities Available: No
Volunteer Research Positions Available: No
Biography
W. Craig Stevens, Ph.D. is a student-centered professor who came to WCU in 1992. He is presently the interim Chair of Exercise of the Department of Kinesiology and holds the rank of Professor of Exercise Science. He serves as the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) for West Chester University and chairs the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s FAR committee. He is or has been a member of many university, college or department committees.
Dr. Stevens has been recognized for his teaching. He has taught Advanced Exercise Physiology, Applied Muscular Physiology, Applied Cardiovascular Physiology and Environmental Physiology at the graduate level. Undergraduate courses include Lifetime Fitness Concepts, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Fitness Assessment & Exercise Prescription, and Exercise Techniques & Physical Conditioning. He has also taught a variety of activities courses. He uses his past experience as a sports coach and fitness industry employee to enhance his student’s learning.
His research interests are in the area of 1) exercise and performance in environmental extremes, 2) improved athletic performance and 3) fitness especially in children and adolescents. Dr. Stevens has authored or co-authored several manuscripts, unpublished reports, and abstracts as well as given numerous invited talks. He is an associate editor for the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and has reviewed a number of textbooks and manuscripts.
Dr. Stevens feels strongly that service to the profession is important. He was the executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter (MARC) of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for nine years. He has also been a member at large and president of MARC. He serves or has served on several national level committees for both ACSM and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Dr. Stevens is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Prior to WCU, he spent 4 years as a Post-doctoral Research Associate and resident exercise physiologist at the internationally renowned Institute for Environmental Medicine within the School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. While there he consulted with UPenn athletic teams providing advice in the area of strength and conditioning.
Dr. Stevens received his Ph.D. from Temple University in January of 1989. He majored in exercise physiology with a second concentration in medical physiology. Dr. Stevens received his Master of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in exercise physiology from Springfield College in 1982. Dr. Stevens graduated from the Johns Hopkins University in 1974 majoring in psychology.
Dr. Stevens has had extensive coaching experience. At the collegiate level, he has been an assistant coach for football and powerlifting. He was the head wrestling coach and sports information director at Johns Hopkins. At the high school level he was an assistant coach for football, wrestling, and lacrosse. Dr. Stevens coached football, wrestling, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming at the youth sports level. In addition, he has worked in the fitness industry, both in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
Dr. Stevens holds several certifications. He is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, YMCA Fitness and Advanced Fitness Specialist, USA Weightlifting Club Coach, ACA Flat Water Canoe Instructor, SMYRA Sailing Instructor, and a Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coach
