Two UWF Students Honored with National Awards from the American Kinesiology Association

Two students from the University of West Florida’s Department of Movement Sciences and Health have earned prestigious national recognition from the American Kinesiology Association, or AKA, highlighting their academic excellence and commitment to advancing the field of kinesiology.

Ahnalie Layman received the Undergraduate Scholar Award and Rick Vigo earned the Masters Scholar Award for UWF, an AKA member institution. These awards recognize students who demonstrate superior academic performance, leadership and a strong commitment to the discipline of kinesiology. Dr. Christopher Wirth, chair of the department, expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments.

“Rick and Ahnalie are shining examples of the excellence we strive for in the movement sciences and health program at UWF,” Wirth said. “Their commitment to academic achievement and professional growth truly reflects the heart of our department. Recognition from the American Kinesiology Association not only honors their individual efforts but also speaks to the strength of our program, the dedication of our faculty and the culture of excellence we foster.”

The American Kinesiology Association is a national organization that promotes and enhances kinesiology as a unified field of study and professional practice. Each year, it recognizes top scholars from across the country for their academic achievements and contributions to the discipline.

“I am very excited and grateful to receive this recognition from the American Kinesiology Association,” Vigo said. “Thanks to the incredible mentorship of Dr. Cosio Lima throughout my time in the masters program and the hands-on experiences at UWF, I am excited to be able to integrate my skills and knowledge from exercise science, plus chiropractic, yoga and dance experience, into helping people move, feel and live better.”

These awards underscore UWF’s commitment to providing high-impact academic experiences that prepare students for leadership and innovation in health and human performance.

To learn more about UWF’s Department of Movement Sciences and Health, visit uwf.edu/msh.