Rate My Professor Tao Zhang

Tao Zhang is a full professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion, and Recreation at the University of North Texas, as well as Director of the Pediatric Movement & Physical Activity Laboratory. He received his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in 2009. His scholarly work centers on creating supportive physical activity environments, exploring achievement motivation, motor skill development, and promoting physical activity and health among children and families through pedagogical, psychological, and behavioral perspectives. Dr. Zhang has delivered over 190 research presentations at international, national, and state conferences, published more than 100 refereed journal articles and book chapters, and authored approximately 120 peer-reviewed research abstracts and conference papers.

As principal investigator, he has obtained significant funding, including for Project MOVE (Minority Obesity Vanquished with Education) from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Project Head Start to Healthy Lifestyles (HSHL) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dr. Zhang holds prestigious fellowships such as Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology (FNAK #666), Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM), Fellow of SHAPE America Research Council (RFSA), Fellow of the American Kinesiology Association Leadership Institute, and Fellow of the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals (FNAS). Among his numerous awards are the Mabel Lee Award (SHAPE America, 2013), Mentor of the Year Award (SHAPE America, 2017), Joy of Effort Award (SHAPE America, 2020), Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award (SHAPE America, 2022), Toulouse Scholar Award (UNT, 2022), Faculty Research Excellence Award (College of Education, UNT, 2023), and Bob Rogers Service and Community Engagement Award (UNT, 2024). He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, Associate Editor of Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, and editorial board member for several journals including International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Dr. Zhang has also led various professional organizations, including as President of the International Chinese Society for Physical Activities and Health, Research Grant Review Chair for SHAPE America, and Population Health Sciences SIG Chair for the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Since 2010, he has mentored undergraduate and doctoral students who have earned over 30 awards at state, national, and international levels.