UW Kinesiology and Health Undergraduate Published as First Author on National Report

An undergraduate student in the University of Wyoming’s Division of Kinesiology and Health has been published as first author of the State of the States Policy Report in the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (JOPERD), which is one of the field’s most widely read professional journals.

Devon King, from Casper, is a senior in the physical education teacher education program and is completing his student teaching internship, with plans to return to UW for his master’s degree in kinesiology and health.

The State of the States Policy Report is recognized as the most current and comprehensive review of its kind, providing a clear, state-by-state picture of how physical education and physical activity are addressed in codified policy across the United States and its territories. Covering all 50 states -- plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands -- the report translates a complex policy landscape into accessible profiles that educators, administrators, researchers and advocates can use.

In a time when schools face competing demands, the report offers a powerful, practical and reliable national snapshot of what is required; what is missing; and where policy language and accountability mechanisms vary.

“I can honestly say that I never expected my work to get published or nationally recognized when I started the report,” King says. “It has exponentially grown into something that has now been published in a nationally recognized journal. To say this is more impactful and meaningful than I ever thought possible would be an understatement, and I am just thankful to be part of the project.”

The State of the States Policy Report details legal mandates across 14 policy categories, including key areas such as instructional time and class size; curriculum and assessment expectations; teacher certification; inclusion and equity considerations; online credit earning; physical activity policies; and accountability structures. In addition to describing the policy environment, the resource helps readers compare across states; identify strengths and gaps; and better understand the conditions that shape students’ access to quality, standards-based physical education.

“This being King’s first authorship of a report of this magnitude requires sustained focus, precision and intellectual maturity,” says Qin “Arthur” Zhu, director of the Division of Kinesiology and Health, which is part of UW’s College of Health Sciences. “From synthesizing extensive policy information to shaping findings into a clear narrative for a national audience, King’s work showcases the kind of leadership, discipline and attention to detail typically associated with seasoned researchers. It also highlights what’s possible when undergraduate talent is paired with meaningful, high-impact research opportunities.”

The report was published Jan. 13 as part of a special feature in JOPERD that focused on the evolution and impact of physical education and physical activity policy reporting.

“Devon King’s achievement as first author of this national report is a testament to the high-caliber research occurring within our Division of Kinesiology and Health,” says Patrick Hardigan, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “By providing a comprehensive roadmap for physical education policy, Devon has demonstrated the kind of intellectual leadership and real-world impact we strive for in the College of Health Sciences. This success highlights the power of undergraduate mentorship at the University of Wyoming and underscores our commitment to preparing the next generation of health innovators and policy advocates.”

Ben Kern, an associate professor with the physical education teacher education program, served as King’s mentor during his work on the policy report. He notes that, along with the collaborative expertise of the report’s broader author team, a rigorous environment was created in which King could thrive.

“Devon rose to the challenge in a way that brings distinction to UW and the discipline, and we should all be proud,” Kern says.

As of Feb. 27, the State of the States article is the third-most-read article and first in citations in the past 12 months in the journal, according to Kern.

“Worth noting is that the two articles that have more reads have been published since May and September, respectively,” Kern says. “By comparison, Devon's article has only been published for a few weeks and will easily be the most-read-and-cited article in JOPERD in 2026 and may eventually rival some of the most-cited articles in the journal’s over-125-year history.”

King will share this work with campus leaders, delivering development of the report to a committee of the UW Board of Trustees at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.

“It’s a fitting next step in Devon’s scholarship,” Kern says. “His work is not only publication-worthy, but also leadership-worthy.”