Biographical Text
Assistant Professor Emerita of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, Professor Bevington received her B.S. degree from Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, Tennessee, and her M.S. degree from the University of Tennessee. Joining the Appalachian State University faculty in 1964, Bevington was a founder for the teacher preparation program in physical education for thirty-six years. She taught in virtually all of the department's professional preparation courses. In addition, she coached both the women's softball and golf teams. Among the many highlights of Bevington's career at Appalachian State was her leadership role in the decision of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to initiate dance education certification in the state. In 1975, she co-founded the Dance Association for North Carolina Education and, in 1976, was the founder of the popular Appalachian Cloggers. Bevington also served as an academic field consultant for student teachers in physical education placed in schools throughout North Carolina. Working closely with physical education teachers in Watauga County, students in her teacher preparation classes were allowed to visit and teach in every school in Watauga County, as well as in Avery, Wilkes, and Caldwell Counties. Professor Bevington has given numerous presentations and conducted many workshops related to preparing teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels. Her students had the opportunity to become actively involved in their professional organizations by working with her in numerous presentations. Included in these presentations are the following: Thomas, E. and physical education majors, "From the Mountains to the Sea, Skills are 'Where It's At'" at the North Carolina Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Annual Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina (1997). Thomas, E. and physical education majors. "Building an Interest in Physical Education" at the Student Session of the North Carolina Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Annual Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina (1998). Thomas, E. and McKethan, R. "A Multimedia Compendium of Dance Skills" at the North Carolina Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance/Southern District Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Annual Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina (2000). Bevington's contributions to many organizations in sport earned her recognition by Women in Sport. She was also recognized in Who's Who in Education (1977-78). In 1996, Professor Bevington received the North Carolina Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance College Teacher of the Year in North Carolina, as well as the Appalachian State University Teacher Effectiveness Award. "Ellie" married Professor Roger E. Thomas and the couple had one daughter, Heather Brooke (February 14,1980 -) who is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Heather is currently working for the State Employees Credit Union in Chapel Hill and is the college minister at Hillsong Baptist Church in Chapel Hill. She is considering attending divinity school. After the death of her husband, in 1995, Professor Bevington married Richard D. Bevington. Her marriage took place in 2000, the same year she retired from Appalachian State University. The couple has a home in Kingsport, Tennessee, as well as one in Blowing Rock, and both enjoy playing golf. They enjoy landscaping at their residences and spend the coldest of winter months in Florida. Source: Appalachian State university files. -Dr. Kay R. Dickson
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