By Fred Sgambati (’83)

If a single line could possibly encapsulate Dr. Colin King’s (’17) teaching philosophy, it might very well be: “instead of being a sage on the stage, aim to be a guide on the side.”

Rather than considering himself an expert in the field, vocalizing what he knows to students and expecting them to learn and remember through his experiences, Dr. King – a tenured Associate Professor in Acadia’s School of Kinesiology and Program Director, Athletic Therapy Option – strives to be a guide on the side, using purposeful reflection, different pedagogical strategies, forms of assessment, and effective feedback to facilitate student learning in its multiple forms with diverse groups of learners.

His teaching approach is grounded in active learner-centered methods that enable and engage students in meaningful educational experiences. Students and staff seek his advice and guidance, many times outside of class hours, on evenings and weekends, where he explores concepts and techniques that don’t fit into a Monday to Friday daytime schedule. He is passionate and thoughtful, earning the admiration and respect of students and colleagues alike, many of whom consider him a ‘go-to’ person in the department.

Dr. King is frequently invited to present locally, nationally and internationally, gives generously of his time and talent to supervise graduate and undergraduate honours students, and has earned numerous awards in recognition of his scholarly achievement. He is a two-time winner of the Dr. Gary Ness Professor Appreciation Award (in 2013 and 2017) and received this year’s Distinguished Teaching Award in the Faculty of Professional Studies.

He is also the 2022 recipient of the Acadia Alumni Association Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes a continued record of excellence in teaching students and future alumni of Acadia University with a focus on professional and teaching accomplishments.

“Over Dr. King’s 12-year career at Acadia, he has worked with and mentored a remarkable number of students who have gone on to achieve incredible things as members of our alumni community,” says Alumni Association President Donalda MacBeath (’75). “His practical, personable approach, foresight and dedication have endeared him to students, and the knowledge and experience he brings to the classroom and Acadia’s School of Kinesiology is peerless.

“He has been a driving force to enable the School of Kinesiology to apply to become a nationally certified, accredited Athletic Therapy program in conjunction with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). Dr. King facilitates competence and confidence in the application of real-life skills, and is one of our shining stars. It’s a great pleasure to acknowledge him as the Association’s 2022 recipient of the Acadia Alumni Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.”

Hired in 2007 as Head Athletic Therapist for the varsity football team and part-time instructor in kinesiology, Dr. King holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies from Acadia (2017), underscoring his central interest in pedagogy. He became a full-time instructor in 2010 and successfully entered the tenure-track journey in 2016.

Dr. King also has an extensive array of professional affiliations. He is the current Chair of the Education and Research Committee for the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy and former Chair and Committee Member of the Program Accreditation Committee of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association. Other professional certifications and affiliations include membership in the Canadian Concussion Network, the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, Atlantic Provinces Athletic Therapists Association, and St. John Ambulance to name a few.