LEWISTON, ID – Lewis-Clark State College professor for the Physical, Life, Movement & Sport Sciences (PLMSS) Division, Heather Van Mullem, was recently selected as the 2025 Society of Health and Physical Educators’ (SHAPE) Idaho Collegiate Educator of the Year.
Van Mullem will be recognized at the 2025 SHAPE Idaho Conference held in Pocatello from July 31-August 1. The award honors individuals who are exemplary educators in the areas of health and physical education at Idaho colleges and universities. Van Mullem was nominated for this award and submitted an application for review by the SHAPE Idaho Awards Committee. Three colleagues wrote letters of support, which accompanied her application. This is the third time Van Mullem has been honored with this award.
“I think my field of study is awesome. We focus daily on identifying strategies to help people live healthy and well lives. We recognize, encourage, and celebrate the positive impact health, wellness, and sport can have on people,” said Van Mullem. “Having an opportunity to work with students and colleagues who think so too brings me great joy.”
Van Mullem has been an instructor with LC State since 2005 and she has served the college and her profession in many ways including as a division chair, the facilitator of LC Presents, and executive director of the Western Society for Kinesiology and Wellness. Over the last year she has published a case study and given almost 20 talks on diverse subjects including sport, media, and pedagogy. LC State’s PLMSS division chair, Rachel Jameton, said Van Mullem’s students highly value her ability to create a positive learning environment and support their learning. In further celebration of her success, Van Mullem also received the Dr. Cameron D. & Marilyn K. Hinman award in spring 2025.
“Dr. Van Mullem’s passion for research, teaching and mentorship inspires students and colleagues alike. We are truly fortunate to have her here at LC State and we benefit from her thoughtfulness and dedication to helping others grow,” said Jameton. “Her work strengthens LC State and reflects the best of who we strive to be.”
To learn more about SHAPE Idaho visit www.shapeidaho.org/home.