UW–Madison’s Columna recognized for sustained contributions to adapted physical education
UW–Madison’s Luis Columna, a professor in the School of Education’s Department of Kinesiology, has received the Hollis Fait Scholarly Award from the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID).
One of the organization’s highest honors, the award recognizes a distinguished record of scholarly activity in adapted physical education and adapted physical activity.
Much of Columna’s research has focused on programs such as Fit Families, which supports opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families to engage in physical activity. The Hollis Fait Scholarly Award, however, recognizes the broader influence of Columna’s work and its impact on the field throughout his career.
The recognition builds on a previous NCPEID honor. In 2022, Columna received the organization’s G. Lawrence Rarick Research Award, which recognizes distinguished research contributions.
“Receiving this award is both a tremendous honor and a very personal moment for me,” Columna says. “It is not every day that someone who looks and sounds like me receives a recognition of this magnitude, and I hope it helps others see that they, too, belong in academia and can achieve these kinds of milestones. It also reinforces that the work we are doing with families of individuals with disabilities matters and is respected by our profession.”
Columna adds, “I share this recognition with the many families who have trusted me with their stories and with the students, colleagues, and mentors who have been part of this journey.”
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One of the organization’s highest scholarly honors, the award recognizes a distinguished record of scholarly activity in adapted physical education and adapted physical activity. Rather than honoring a single program or project, the award recognizes an individual’s overall body of work and sustained contributions through research, scholarship, mentoring, leadership, and service to the profession.
Columna’s research has focused on programs such as Fit Families, which supports opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families to engage in physical activity. The Hollis Fait Scholarly Award, however, recognizes the broader influence of Columna’s work and its impact on the field throughout his career.
The recognition builds on a previous NCPEID honor. In 2022, Columna received the organization’s G. Lawrence Rarick Research Award, which recognizes distinguished research contributions.
“Receiving this award is both a tremendous honor and a very personal moment for me,” Columna says. “It is not every day that someone who looks and sounds like me receives a recognition of this magnitude, and I hope it helps others see that they, too, belong in academia and can achieve these kinds of milestones. It also reinforces that the work we are doing with families of individuals with disabilities matters and is respected by our profession.”
Columna adds, “I share this recognition with the many families who have trusted me with their stories and with the students, colleagues, and mentors who have been part of this journey.”