NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University students have been honored by the Missouri Society of Health and Physical Educators (MOSHAPE) as majors of the year. MOSHAPE is a statewide organization that supports current and future professionals in health and physical education, providing leadership to schools developing such programs.

The students were recognized at MOSHAPE’s annual conference in November, selected by faculty based on their grades, disposition, professionalism, and leadership.

Grace Carter, who graduated from Northwest in December with a bachelor's degree in physical education, was named the Health Education Major of the Year. She is currently teaching in Kansas City, Missouri. Carter chose Northwest for its welcoming environment and low student-to-professor ratio. "With it being a smaller school, I was able to form more personal connections with my professors and learn as much as I could," she said. Carter aims to inspire young students with her passion for movement and exercise. "I could never imagine myself having a desk job," she added.

Bradley Shoemaker, a senior physical education major from Maryville, was named the Physical Education Major of the Year. He plans to teach secondary physical education and coach high school sports after graduation. "This recognition reassures me that I am achieving my goals," Shoemaker stated.

Both Carter and Shoemaker are now nominees for the SHAPE America Major of the Year award, which will be presented at the 2025 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Baltimore.

Dr. Jodie Leiss, an associate professor at Northwest, was elected president-elect by MOSHAPE members. Expressing pride in her students' achievements, Dr. Leiss remarked, "Some of the students work so hard, and they really deserve that recognition."

For more information about Northwest's physical education major and other academic programs offered within its School of Health Science and Wellness, visit their website.