FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION NAMES SOUTHEAST STUDENT HEALTH EDUCATION MAJOR OF THE YEAR

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 19, 2002 -- Kim Mouser of Imperial, Mo., a health management senior in the Department of Health and Leisure at Southeast Missouri State University, was recently recognized as a "Health Education Major of the Year" by the American Association for Health Education.

The Major of the Year Award is presented by the organization to recognize outstanding students majoring in health from universities across the continent. She received a certificate of recognition from the American Association for Health Education, and her name will be published in HE-XTRA, the newsletter of the American Association for Health Education.

"Kim is an exemplary recipient of the Major of the Year Award," said Dr. Mark Langenfeld, chair of the Department of Health and Leisure. "The Department of Health and Leisure is thrilled that she has received this well-deserved recognition by the American Association for Health Education."

Mouser has been involved with many professional and service activities while pursuing a health management degree at Southeast. She has participated in health screenings on campus and in surrounding communities. She has volunteered with various races and walks aimed at improving health in the community. She helped plan and implement an after school program in Chaffee, Mo., aimed at preventing youth from using drugs.

She has worked as a wellness specialist for the Wellness Advantage Program at Southeast, worked as an aerobics instructor, given presentations at several physical activity seminars, and delivered personal training services for Wellness Advantage. She is currently president of the Southeast Missouri State University student chapter of the Association for Worksite Health Promotion, and has attended regional and national meetings of that organization. She also has been a co-presenter at the Association for Worksite Health Promotion national meeting.

Mouser has excelled in the classroom as well, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average during her college career while living and demonstrating a healthy lifestyle. Her commitment to her own physical conditioning includes training for and running marathons.