Mark Anshel
Department of Health and Human Performance

Hi, I'm Mark Anshel and I'm one!—one of Tennessee's Best educators.

I'm a professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance with a joint appointment in the Department of Psychology. I teach graduate courses in research methods, experimental design, motor learning, and sport and exercise psychology. I also advise master's students on conducting their thesis and doctoral students on their dissertations, conduct and publish independent research, obtain internal and external funding, and consult with the Murfreesboro Police Department in improving healthy habits and coping skills in law enforcement. In 2006 I founded and directed the MTSU Employee Wellness Program based on a two-year grant obtained from MTSU President, Dr. Sidney A. McPhee. This program is now permanent and carried out by staff at the MTSU Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

My employment with MTSU began in June 2002, when I was appointed as a professor to assist in teaching doctoral-level courses in the department's new Ph.D. program and supervising doctoral dissertations and masters theses. Collaborating with university colleagues to conduct and publish research has been another objective. It is very rewarding to make a difference in the lives of university students through my class lectures, graduate student research advising, and contributing to their professional preparation. MTSU students, both graduate and undergraduate, are self-motivated to learn new professional skills, to read the professional literature, and to apply their academic knowledge. Our program also includes building academic writing skills so that our students are able to express themselves to accurately reflect their level of education and expertise. Many of our undergraduate students go on to develop an interest in graduate education, and several students pursue doctoral education for a career in higher education. Helping students complete their master's thesis or doctoral dissertation is especially rewarding.

One of the best things about working at MTSU is that all faculty and staff are appreciated by students, by administrators, and by their department and campus colleagues. MTSU provides faculty with seminars by experts to improve professional skills, such as grant-writing, becoming familiar with new instructional technology, and to make optimal use of our excellent library in searching for resources.

While MTSU is a student-centered campus in meeting the needs of learners with a heavy emphasis on teaching quality, administrators also encourage, appreciate, and support research. We offer excellent internal funding to encourage and support faculty research or other forms of creative activity. My primary area of research, reflected in my "Disconnected Values Model,"; is to examine the effectiveness of interventions on health behavior change, that is, strategies that help individuals replace their unhealthy habits with more desirable, healthier routines, and to maintain - adhere to - these new habits.

If you are a student, I encourage you to apply to attend MTSU's excellent program. If you are considering an academic career, MTSU is a great place to receive superb graduate education or to gain employment. You will be given an opportunity and extensive support to explore new directions in your career.

MTSU is located in a growing city called Murfreesboro, TN. Murfreesboro is a safe, friendly, family-oriented community with a relatively low cost of living. It offers a high quality of life, and many options for practicing your faith, if you choose. A culture of integrity and other desirable values are the core of this community.