The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Nebraska announced the 2025 award winners, and five Doane University students received recognition.
Seniors Brooke Deisley, Carson Baker, Colton Dillon and Kennedy Stanley and junior Emma Hanke all received a Major of the Year award along with 19 peers from four universities and colleges across Nebraska.
Students are nominated by their respective universities as outstanding individuals in their studies and extracurricular activities. Below is a Q&A with four of the students about their accomplishments at Doane and their post-graduation goals.
What interested you in pursuing your degree program?
Brooke Deisley, senior physical & health education major
I chose to major in Physical Education and Health because I grew up watching my mom and brother thrive as PE teachers, and their passion inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I love the energy of the PE and health environment and the opportunity it gives me to connect with students and be a positive, consistent influence in their lives. I’m motivated by the chance to help students build confidence, lifelong healthy habits and a sense of belonging through movement and wellness.
Carson Baker, senior physical & health education major, strength/conditioning minor:
I fell in love with the weight room in high school. I was lifting every weekday at 5:30 a.m. with my dad, brothers and sister. My freshman year of high school I was under 100 lbs., by my senior year I weighed 180 lbs. and had set a new school record for bench press. I hope to encourage students to find a love for the weight room and physical activity that I had to help them be succesful lifelong learners as well as be lifelong healthy individuals.
Colton Dillon, senior exercise science major, athletic training emphasis:
Growing up I always knew I wanted to work in the sports world. As I got older my love for wanting to help others and being able to help them succeed grew.
Kennedy Stanley, senior physical & health education major:
I am passionate about developing students' motor skills, teaching students about teamwork and sportsmanship, and also promoting healthy lifelong habits!
Why did you decide to come to Doane?
Brooke:
I chose to attend Doane because it allowed me to stay closer to my family while still pursuing a high-quality education. Doane’s strong education program and supportive community made it the perfect place for me to grow as a future teacher and build the foundation I needed for my career.
Carson:
Close to home, sports. I decided to STAY at Doane because of the small community feel and the fantastic personal relationships I was able to build with my professors/mentors.
Colton:
Originally, I came here for my sport, and I stayed here for the opportunity to learn more about athletic training. The culture at Doane is strong in any group you join and I loved it.
Emma Hanke, junior exercise science major:
I chose to come to Doane because I wanted to be part of a smaller community where I could get involved and develop myself before applying for physical therapy school.
Kennedy:
Doane has a great education program and a great track and field program as well!
What is something you're proud of accomplishing or achieving at Doane?
Brooke:
I am proud of the strong academic performance I’ve maintained throughout all my semesters in college. I’ve consistently earned around a 4.0 GPA and have been recognized multiple times for my achievement, including making the honor roll and the dean’s list. These accomplishments reflect my dedication, discipline and commitment to excellence in my studies.
Carson:
Creating relationships with people that went from strangers, to friends, to family.
Colton:
Being a lead captain on the track team and multiple time student athletic trainer of the month has taken me far in seeing how to lead others. My faith has grown tremendously as well, and I feel more confident in what I do.
Emma:
Something I am proud of accomplishing would be starting a research project on my own with the help of Dr. Tessa Durham Brooks and Professor Rebecca Sprouse. They both have guided me into doing a study right now that should hopefully help bring more awareness to injuries prevention in female athletes. I have a lot of pride in my research and am excited to present it at Mind Expo.
Kennedy:
I am proud of accepting a teaching position before graduation and continuing to manage teaching, classes, and track practices!
What do you hope to do after completing your degree?
Brooke:
I hope to teach in the LPS [Lincoln Public Schools] district.
Carson:
Teach and coach baseball
Colton:
I plan on getting my masters in athletic training, as of right now I am still looking for a school that best suits me
Emma:
After Doane, I hope to be attending a physical therapy program and then becoming a physical therapist.
Kennedy:
I am currently working at Crete Elementary as the K-2 PE teacher, so I hope to continue my teaching career after completing my degree in December!
Why do you think you were selected as a SHAPE Nebraska major of the year winner?
Brooke:
I believe I was selected as a SHAPE Nebraska Major of the Year because of my strong work ethic and genuine commitment to becoming the best educator I can be. Throughout my practicum and student teaching experiences, I’ve consistently focused on building meaningful relationships with students and teachers, bringing a positive attitude into every gym or classroom I enter. I’m intentional in my observations, always looking for ways to grow, improve instruction and support students. Combined with my developing skill set in PE and health education, I think these qualities reflect the kind of teacher and leader SHAPE Nebraska aims to recognize.
Carson:
I try my best to make all of my lessons directed toward the students. I want my teaching to be as applicable as possible to the students' lives. This way, students really understand the topics I am covering or teaching on a deeper level. I also believe I understand just how important inclusion and feeling accepted into a space can impact learning. I try my best to not only say good morning or hello to every student, but I make it a priority to ask how their day has been going, and then listen with intent. These are great moments to understand your students and get a glimpse of what is going on in their lives. When students know you care about them and their well-being, you have a higher chance of them caring about your class. Respect is a two-way street. When I respect my students and their feelings, they respect mine, and are typically way more responsive when I ask of something from them!
Colton:
I am a hard worker and apply myself with the knowledge that I have. It's grown to be a passion of mine and it shows in what I do.
Emma:
I believe I was selected as a SHAPE Nebraska major of the year winner due to my work ethic and resilience in the classroom and in everyday life.
Kennedy:
I think Cindy Meyer selected us as SHAPE Nebraska major of the year winners because she believes in us as educators and knows we will make a difference in the teaching field.
