Scott Burley, senior instructor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University, is bringing his extensive knowledge and passion for teaching to CSU to grow community partnerships and practical learning experiences for students.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I moved here from Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I was the director of the Exercise Science and Wellness Program at Central New Mexico Community College. I received my B.S. in physical education and M.S. in exercise science at Northern Michigan University before receiving a B.Ed. in teacher education at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario. I then went to the University of New Mexico and received a Ph.D. in physical education, sports and exercise science.
Outside of academia, you can find me on the pickleball court year-round. In the summers I enjoy spending time with my family outside paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking in the northern lakes and forests of Ontario, as well as Fort Collins. In the winter, you’ll find me on the slopes; I’m excited to be near my favorite hill, A-Basin. I also enjoy landscape design and the building of patios, rock steps, and retaining walls. I make it a goal to create a new feature project every year.
What brought you to the Department of Health and Exercise Science at CSU?
I had been considering moving to Colorado to be closer to my extended family. After discovering the program, I contacted Wendy DeYoung, who is the assistant professor, assistant department head, and director of the Health Promotion Program in the Department of Health and Exercise Science. She had nothing but great things to say about the Fort Collins community and working in the department. She recommended I look at the senior instructor position in the health promotion track. After visiting with her, seeing the campus, and witnessing the Fort Collins downtown holiday lighting ceremony, I knew I wanted to be a part of this community.
What are your research and/or teaching interests, and how did you get interested in that topic?
Since an early age, I have been a competitive swimmer and skier, and have always been interested in learning about the human body and how it responds to exercise. I became passionate about teaching the first time I had the opportunity to teach an undergraduate health and wellness class as a graduate teaching assistant. Since then, I continue to enjoy growing my pedagogical knowledge in the health and exercise science fields.
My teaching interests include kinesiology, health and wellness, fitness and exercise testing, exercise prescription for special populations, and practicum classes in health and exercise science.
At CSU I hope to provide students with a positive and supportive learning experience that supports student success. I am eager to learn and grow our community partnerships to provide quality practical learning experiences for practicum and internship student placements.
What is your teaching philosophy?
The biggest area of my teaching I try to emphasize is differentiated instruction. Knowing that students learn differently and have different shared backgrounds/experiences is critical. Using a variety of teaching strategies and evaluation techniques in my classroom, I have found it to improve classroom engagement and learning overall.
What is your favorite thing about CSU and the campus?
So far, the people here at CSU are my favorite thing. Everyone on campus has been so friendly, accommodating, and helpful. It feels like a real sense of community here with everyone helping one another. I have felt very welcomed!
The Department of Health and Exercise Science is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
