The Bear Ledger

Dr. John Murphy, professor of psychology at the University of Central Arkansas, has published a new book entitled, Conducting Student-Driven Interviews: Practical Strategies for Increasing Student Involvement and Addressing Behavior Problems (Routledge Press, 2013). The book helps school psychologists, counselors, and others talk with struggling students in respectful ways that build on their strengths, resilience, and other resources. Student-driven interviews are therapeutic conversations that invite students take charge of school behavior problems and participate in every aspect of their care from forming goals to evaluating the usefulness of services.

“Sometimes the very person everyone is concerned about is excluded from having a voice in his or her own care,” says Murphy. “This book encourages counselors to offer children and teens the same things that we all want when we consult a helping professional about a problem—to be heard, respected, and treated with dignity. The skills and strategies in this book provide a practical blueprint for doing that.” Helping professionals aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the ideas and techniques in this book—parents and teachers will also find the book useful in their efforts to connect with children and teens in positive and productive ways.

Dr. Murphy, who has been at UCA for 17 years, is an internationally recognized trainer and author on using strength-based therapy approaches with young people, families, and school problems. He has written two other books, both of which are in their second editions and have been translated into multiple languages. Dr. Murphy’s work has been featured in the New York Times bestseller Switch and the training series Child Therapy with the Experts. He continues to work with young people, families and schools, and is a sought-after workshop presenter who has taught thousands of mental health professionals, teachers, and parents in Arkansas, the United States, and overseas. Refer to www.drjohnmurphy.com for more information on Dr. Murphy’s books and other work.

Dr. Adam Bruenger presented two papers at the 2012 International Society of Sports Biomechanics (ISBS) Conference in Melbourne, Australia this past summer. The papers, “Comparison of Muscle Activity During Step Ups and Single Leg Squats” and “Comparison of Moments and Shear Forces of the Hip and Knee During Step Ups and Single Leg Squats” were co-authored by fellow KPED faculty member Dr. Steven Tucker and Jason Carruth, a former KPED master’s student. The research that was presented was supported by a URC grant awarded him by UCA. The ISBS has membership of biomechanists from over 50 different countries and represents the only biomechanics organization whose focus is sports performance.

Dr. Bruenger has been an integral part of the Kinesiology department since 2008.

Athletic training student, Weston Vickers, was one of three Arkansas students selected for the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) iLEAD Leadership program. The inaugural iLEAD student leadership seminar in 2009 brought together 150+ students from 43 states, all focused on learning to lead the profession of athletic training.

Weston attended the NATA seminar in Dallas, Texas on January 11 and 12, 2013. This program is conducted for junior and senior students who are interested in learning more about leadership and in preparing to transition to the professional world of athletic training. Students have the opportunity to speak with their peers and with athletic training leaders regarding ethics, interviewing, networking and a variety of other topics.

Weston joins six previous UCA ATEP students who have been selected for the NATA iLEAD Program.

Weston will graduate in May 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training.