Larry Nelson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Arlington. He earned a Ph.D. in Sport Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado, a M.S. in Physical Education from Colorado State University, and a B.S. in Exercise Science from Colorado State University.
Dr. Nelson’s work has advanced service-learning and other experiential learning models that help educators learn how to build relationships and improve social-emotional learning through physical activity. He is the Co-Founder and Former Executive Director of Dancing Classrooms North Texas, a 501(c)(3) in-school residency for 5th and 8th grade students that uses ballroom dance as a vehicle to break down social barriers and encourage teamwork.
Dr. Nelson has been awarded the inaugural UT Regent’s Outstanding Teaching Award, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Community Service-Learning Award, the Arlington Sunrise Rotary’s inaugural Professor of the Year – Excellence in Higher Education Award. In 2011, he was named Citizen of the Year by the YMCA of Arlington.