AAMU Professor Recognized for Excellence in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Alabama A&M's M'mbaha-Zarnesky Honored with ASAHPERD Scholar Award
Dr. Janet M'mbaha-Zarnesky, an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Kinesiology, has been awarded the 2024 Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD) Scholar Award. ASAHPERD promotes healthy lifestyles for Alabama citizens through innovative programs in health, physical education, recreation, dance, and exercise science.
M'mbaha-Zarnesky’s award recognizes senior-level scholars who have made significant contributions to their fields and continue to advance their professions through scholarship and service.
“It is humbling to be acknowledged for my work,” said M'mbaha-Zarnesky. “This award reinforces my commitment to advancing health and physical education, both within the university and the broader community.”
M'mbaha-Zarnesky has been a pillar of the AAMU community for over a decade, teaching graduate and undergraduate kinesiology and physical education courses. She holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology (with a concentration in Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy) from the University of Georgia, as well as a Master of Education and Bachelor of Education in Physical Education from Kenyatta University in Kenya.
She is also an active member of ASAHPERD, having served as Research Council Chair from 2022-2024. In this role, she encouraged members to produce and disseminate research through presentations and poster sessions at annual conferences. She also contributed her expertise to SHAPE America’s Physical Education Council from 2020-2023, helping to guide initiatives and foster collaboration among special interest groups.
In addition to the ASAHPERD Scholar Award, M'mbaha-Zarnesky was recently named a 2024 Redstone Federal Credit Union Community Champion, honoring her dedication to improving the health and well-being of underserved communities. Her impact extends beyond academia. She is the founder and CEO of Action Kids Tennis Camp, a program that has provided free physical activity and health education to underserved children for eight years. The camp empowers youth by combining sports with critical health information, fostering lifelong habits of wellness.
Looking ahead, she plans to encourage her students to engage in research and present their findings at future ASAHPERD conferences. “My greatest joy is to see my students succeed at all levels.”