In Dr. Ennis’s 44-year professional career, she taught physical education at elementary and secondary schools and universities. She coached field hockey and lacrosse at Duke and University of Richmond. She spent 34 years working as a researcher, scholar, physical education teacher educator. Dr. Ennis devoted all her energy, talent, and wisdom to physical education, an area of study she believed will benefit all children.
Dr. Ennis attended UNCG as a master’s student in the Department of Physical Education studying measurement with Dr. Rosemary McGee. She went on to pursue her Ph.D. study with Dr. Ann Jewett at the University of Georgia-Athens. She then served as a physical education teacher educator and researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1984-1989) and the University of Maryland-College Park (1989-2008). In 2008, Dr. Ennis accepted an appointment of professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science (now Department of Kinesiology) at UNCG.
Dr. Ennis’ greatest contributions to the field of kinesiology are in the area of physical education curriculum theory and development through robust empirical research. Her influence on the entire field is wide and deep. Her scholarly vision has paved the way for many scholars to pursue creative thinking about the future of physical education and kinesiology.
Dr. Ennis was a leader. As President of the National Academy of Kinesiology (2013-2016) and SHAPE-America Research Consortium (2009-2011), she led the entire field of kinesiology in pursuing high scholarship standards that guide national physical activity policies and innovative K-12 physical education programming. Dr. Ennis passed away of cancer in April 2017 as an active faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology at the UNCG. Her career accomplishments and contributions are impossible to quantify.