Kevin Cornell ’10 chose ĻӰ because it would allow him to major in kinesiology and be a member of the men’s basketball team. Once here, Cornell fell in love with the university saying, “it’s a great university that gives you the opportunity to get to know your professors one-on-one, which helps with communication and gaining experience in your field.”
Cornell’s fondest memories while attending Shenandoah are making lifelong friends through the basketball team and the ability to gain a great education while playing basketball. He will also never forget Associate Professor of Kinesiology Cindy Schendel, Ed.D., who always believed in him and encouraged him to do his best. With Dr. Schendel’s support, Cornell won the National Association of Sports and Physical Education Major of the Year Award and the Ralph K. Lewis Outstanding Award in Kinesiology Teaching in 2010.
Cornell is a middle school physical education and health teacher at in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He is also the head coach for varsity girls’ basketball and golf. Cornell has worked for New Philadelphia City Schools for nine years.
The most rewarding experiences Cornell has had in his career are the interactions and connections that he makes with his students on a daily basis in the classroom and as a coach. He believes Shenandoah’s kinesiology program provided him with the knowledge and experiences he would need to be successful as a teacher and coach.
Cornell’s advice to students is: “Make sure you bring a positive attitude each day and challenge the students to succeed. Ultimately, students don’t care how much you know until they know you care about them.”