By Amanda Mlekush
Dr. Becki Battista, professor of Exercise Science, has received the 2025 SEACSM (Southeast American College of Sports Medicine) Service Award in recognition of her commitment to SEACSM, her contributions as former Board Member and president, coupled with reviewing abstracts, chairing sessions, and engaging in organizational activities to advance the organization.
“This award means so much to me as I truly do enjoy SEACSM and all that it has done to create meaningful opportunities for researchers, students, and practitioners in our field,” Battista said. “I thoroughly enjoy giving back to the organization to make it one of the strongest and most active regional chapters within the American College of Sports Medicine.”
Battista, who previously served as a board member, and president of the organization and is a Fellow and Board of Trustee for the American College of Sports Medicine, received the award at the organization’s annual meeting held in Greenville, S.C., in late February.
In addition to teaching and mentoring students at Appalachian State, she is an Exercise is Medicine ambassador, director of the Office of Student Research and a team co-lead for the HOPE (Health Outdoor Play and Exercise) Lab.
(Emma Denton, left, was mentored by Professor Dr. Becki Battista (right) for her research project.)
Battista presented tutorials on Exercise is Medicine and on promoting and supporting physical activity and healthy eating in child care centers. She also attended the meeting to support Emma Denton, a senior Exercise Science student she is mentoring. Denton presented her poster on Adolescents' Perception of Parental Support for Engagement in Physical Activity.
Woman holds a plaque
Dr. Becki Battista received the SEACSM Service Award