Dr. Joanne Leight, an associate professor of physical education and assistant department chairperson at Slippery Rock University, was named as The Rock's faculty athletics representative in January of 2013. In January of 2021, she assumed the role of Interim director of athletics for the spring semester after the retirement of Paul Lueken, who had served as director of athletics at SRU since 1994. Leight moved back into her role as faculty athletics representative in July of 2021 after Dr. Roberta Page was hired as director of athletics.
Leight received her bachelor of science degree in health and physical education, with an emphasis in athletic training, from SRU and also earned a master of science degree in sports study (sport psychology/sport sociology) at The Rock. Leight earned her doctoral degree from Duquesne University in the area of educational leadership, with an emphasis and certification in instructional technology.
She began her career at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., where she taught and coached softball (nine years), volleyball (five years) and soccer (one year).
Leight has been a faculty member at SRU since 1996 and served as head softball coach from 1996-03.
In her role as a member of the faculty, Leight has developed five new courses, created the coaching minor, for which she serves as program coordinator, and facilitated spring break learning experiences for students in the minor. She is also faculty advisor for the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Club and the annual PETE Mini Convention.
Leight has a passion for technology. She serves on numerous technology-related committees at SRU and also serves on the NASPE Pipeline Technology Committee. She served a three-year term as technology editor for the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (JOPERD) and is currently the Technology Chair for the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD). Her professional accomplishments include dozens of technology-focused presentations, publications and grants.
A graduate of Pennridge High School in Perkasie, Pa., Leight has served as director of the Highland Park Youth Camp in Sellersville, Pa., since 1993.
Leight is an avid Philadelphia sports fan and retired national-championship-caliber fastpitch softball player.
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