Dr. Bennie Prince, Health, Human Performance, and Sport Management teaching coordinator at UALR, was recently named president of a statewide professional organization.

Prince will serve as president of the Arkansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Association for the 2013-2015 term.

“I am so grateful that the professionals in the field of health, physical education, recreation, and dance felt that I could lead them,” Prince said.

“I want to serve them well. As President John F. Kennedy once said, ‘Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.’”

Among the goals of the professional association are to support quality health, physical education, recreation and dance programs throughout the state and to disseminate significant information to teachers, leaders, and the general public.

In addition, Prince will lead about 400 professionals and student members in encouraging research and experimentation in all areas promoted by the association, as well as cooperating with other professional organizations and associations interested in the development and well-being of children, youth, and adults.

In prior service to the organization, Prince was its physical education and research chair.