The Physical Education program at the USF College of Education was awarded a bid to host the 2025 International
Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP) Conference on the
St. Petersburg campus this spring.
The International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research in physical
education, physical activity, and sport pedagogy across all ages. AIESEP includes
universities, colleges, institutions, and individual members worldwide.
Craigory Nieman teaching during a homeschool physical education program last fall
"We have people from all over the world wanting to come [to the AIESEP conference]
and be involved with the University of South Florida and physical education here,"
said Craigory Nieman, an assistant professor of instruction in physical education.
"We are putting to the forefront that we are at the cutting edge of physical education."
AIESEP's objectives include promoting scientific research in professional preparation
and practice, organizing scientific meetings to share new knowledge, endorsing relevant
scientific events, and fostering groundbreaking research. The association collaborates
with international bodies to advocate for physical education and provides evidence-based
advice to governments and institutions.
"Folks from far and wide are coming to share their research and perspectives," said
Sara Flory, a professor and undergraduate program coordinator of the physical education
program. "There's a place at the table for everyone. I want people to feel like their
ideas were welcomed and that they had the opportunity to connect with others they
may not have if they didn't attend this conference."
The conference will feature presentations from leaders in physical education around
the globe, bringing industry-leading knowledge and practice to campus. Flory and Nieman
will present alongside many USF faculty, adjuncts, and graduate students, including
Rebecca Wylie, Dwayne Edwards, Carrie Safron, Leah Burger, and Katherine Nash.
"The AIESEP conference offers an opportunity for exchanging ideas in a large forum,"
said Nieman. "You're getting to collaborate with so many people from around the world."
The conference will be held from May 18 to May 22, marking the tenth time it will
be hosted in the United States of America in 60 years.
For more information about AIESEP, contact Sara Flory or visit the conference website.