University of Southern Mississippi Scholar Honored by the Medical Fitness Association

Melissa Ziegler, who has taught in the kinesiotherapy program in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi for the past 13 years, was presented with the 2019 Marla Richmond Memorial Education Award from the Medical Fitness Association. Dr. Ziegler was honored at the association’s 29th Annual Conference held recently in Orlando, Florida.

The award is presented to an individual who has been recognized as an exceptional educator. The recipients of the award also have shown significant dedication to the medical fitness industry by disseminating innovative, accurate and accessible exercise science, fitness and wellness information to patients, clients, community and members by means of original or unique written materials or programming.

“I am so privileged and thankful to receive this award,” Dr. Ziegler said. “To be recognized for doing something I love is incredible.”

For the past 13 years, Dr. Ziegler also served as the executive director of the American Kinesiotherapy Association, a nonprofit organization based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. Ziegler holds a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi. She also earned a master’s degree in human performance and exercise science from the University of Houston-Clearlake