UW Senior from Casper First Author on National Physical Education Report

Devon King, a senior in the University of Wyoming’s Division of Kinesiology and Health from Casper, is listed as first author on the State of the States Policy Report published in the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (JOPERD), according to a University of Wyoming news release published March 02, 2026. The UW release notes JOPERD is “one of the field’s most widely read professional journals.”

King is enrolled in the physical education teacher education program and is completing his student teaching internship, the UW release says. The release adds King plans to return to the University of Wyoming for his master’s degree in kinesiology and health, signaling a continued connection between the student and UW’s College of Health Sciences.

Patrick Hardigan, dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Wyoming, framed the publication as evidence of the division’s research capacity. “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 Hardigan. “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.”

Qin “Arthur” Zhu, director of the Division of Kinesiology and Health, emphasized the demands of first authorship for an undergraduate. “This being King’s first authorship of a report of this magnitude requires sustained focus, precision and intellectual maturity,” says Zhu, who noted the work involved synthesizing extensive policy information. “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 university news post does not include the full JOPERD citation, DOI, co-author list, or details of the report’s findings and methodology; those publication specifics were not provided in the March 02, 2026 release. The UW page presents a portrait captioned “man standing in front of red curtains” and “Devon King,” and appears under University of Wyoming navigation headings including Academics, Student Life, Where We Shine and Quick Links.

King’s first-author credit in a national State of the States Policy Report, coupled with his ongoing student teaching and plans for graduate study at UW, places him among undergraduates the College of Health Sciences highlights for high-impact research and policy engagement at the university level.