Posted 6/01/2008

Pate recognized for four decades of work
in field of physical activity

USC exercise physiologist Dr. Russell R. Pate is the recipient of the 2008 Science Honor Award presented by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

The award honors Dr. Pate's significant contributions and commitment to the health and wellness of the nation.

Dr. Russell R. Pate

Dr. Pate's research and expertise lies in physical activity and the health implications among children. He has published more than 150 scholarly papers, authored or edited five books and has had his work supported by the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association.

In addition, Dr. Pate coordinated the effort that led to the development of the recommendation on Physical Activity and Public Health of the CDC and the American College of Sports Medicine. He also served on the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and on the Institute of Medicine panel that developed guidelines on prevention of childhood obesity.

The President's Council's Science Honor Award is given annually to an academic or research professional who has made a major contribution to the advancement and promotion of the science of physical activity, in addition to being an advocate of the PCPFS' mission.

Winners are nominated by the members of the PCPFS Science Board and chosen by the council's executive director based on the science board's recommendations.

“It is an honor to present this award to Dr. Pate,” PCPFS Executive Director Melissa Johnson said as she presented the award at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting in Indianapolis.

“He deserves recognition for more than four decades of dedication to the science of physical activity for Americans of all ages and abilities. He is a luminary in our field, and he has made an enormous impact in furthering the research of physical activity, as well as making a positive influence on the overall health of our nation,” Johnson said.

Dr. Pate serves as a professor in the Arnold School's Department of Exercise Science and as USC associate vice president for health sciences.

He has served in several leadership positions with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and from 1993-94 served as the organization's president. He is also a past president of the National Coalition on Promoting Physical Activity.