An NIU assistant physical education professor has received national recognition.

James Rimmer, gerontology director and assistant director of NIU’s special physical education clinic for teaching and research, will be presented with one of two Mabel Lee Awards. The award is being presented by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The award is presented annually to a young male and female who have emerged as professionals in the areas of scholarship, research, and service in honor of late AAHPERD President Mabel Lee. Rimmer will receive the award on March 29 at the AAHPERD’s convention in New Orleans.

Rimmer said he was flattered to receive the award. “I’ve been in this profession (of higher education) for nine years. This is my colleagues’ way of saying, ‘You’re headed in the right direction.'”

Sharon Plowman, NIU professor of physical education, was the first female recipient of the Mabel Lee Award in 1976.

“It is really quite impressive for a physical education department to have two faculty members who have received this prestigious award,” said Judy Bischoff, NIU acting physical education chairwoman.

Rimmer is director of NIU’s exercise gerontology clinic. In the future, he said he plans to narrow his focus on aging in relation to exercise and the role of cholesterol in mental retardation.

Rimmer’s book, “Fitness and Rehabilitation Programs for Special Populations,” will be published in the fall of 1991, he said.