Phone: 828- 227-3545
Email: singleton@wcu.edu
Office Address: 102 Reid Gym

Education:

• Certificate in Core Concepts of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2007)
• M.A., Physical Education (exercise physiology concentration), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1986)
• B.S., K-12 Health & Physical Education, Longwood University (1984)

Research Interests:

Increasing physical activity in K-12; increasing access & education of healthy nutrition options in K-12; increasing activity levels & functional abilities of older adults; outdoor recreation and its impact on tourism in Western North Carolina.

Memberships:

• American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
• Adventure Cycling Association
• American College of Sports Medicine
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• Aquatic Exercise Association
• IDEA Health & Fitness Association
•  NC Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
• Professional Ski Instructors of America

Biography:

Debby teaches health, physical education, and recreation courses at Western. After earning her undergraduate degree from Longwood University, she completed her master’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Her past work experiences, in addition to teaching, include directing fitness centers for private businesses and colleges, wellness program director, ski school director, whitewater rafting and mountain bike guide, health educator, group exercise instructor, and national senior fitness workshop presenter.

Debby’s favorite lecture/activity/research topics are “the importance of physical activity across the lifespan” and “incorporating active learning to engage and motivate students.”

When she is not teaching, Debby enjoys running, skiing, cycling, hiking, paddling, gardening, creating, exploring, and traveling with her family.