Mark Fischman and Mary Rudisill have been selected as the two newest named distinguished professors in the Auburn University College of Education. Both are professors in the Department of Health and Human Performance and together they offer students the gamut of experiences in the field of motor behavior.

Fischman received the Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professorship while Rudisill received the Humana-Germany-Sherman Distinguished Professorship. Both distinguished professors said they were humbled by the selection and honored to join such an outstanding list of professors within the college. An induction ceremony and a reception will be held in their honor Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Auburn Alumni Center.

Fischman, who has served AU and the college for 16 years, earned his bachelor's at the City College of New York; his master's at James Madison University, formerly Madison College, in Harrisonburg, Va.; and his doctorate at Pennsylvania State University. Since coming to Auburn, his major area of research focuses on motor learning and motor control. He is interested in testing theoretical models of how people learn skills and control movement.

Rudisill has served AU and college since 1996. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., and her doctorate from Florida State University. Rudisill's major area of research is entwined with her outreach and teaching. It focuses on early childhood motor development, encouraging children to be more active and incorporating other types of cognitive development through movements. The goal of her research and outreach is to help children reach their full potential through movement, she said.

Both professors were selected as distinguished professors because of their demonstrated commitment to students and high-quality instruction, research and outreach. Other criteria included holding the rank of professor; continuing superior-level accomplishments in teaching, research and service that exceed the regularly expected performance of a professor; providing leadership in their field at the national level; and having a professional reputation that extends far beyond the AU campus and is eminently recognized by other distinguished professors in similar roles at the national level.

For Fischman, this job is rewarding because of the caliber of students he serves at AU and because it allows him to pursue something he truly loves—writing and research. "I love working at Auburn. It has provided me with very good research opportunities. I enjoy doing research and for me, it is a rush to see your name and your students' names on your published results."

Rudisill echoes her colleagues love of research and in her case, the way it works in conjunction with her community outreach and teaching. She agrees that AU provides a conducive environment for allowing professors to accomplish their professional goals—something she said she couldn't do without her many sources of inspiration.

"My mom and dad, and my husband and son, have always really inspired and supported me. The leaders of my department and college, especially Frances Kochan, inspired me and I feel fortunate to work with my colleague, Mark Fischman. I have also been able to do a lot of collaboration with Ethel White, a wonderful community figure who is a pillar of strength. I feel like a very lucky person to have had so many people in my life who wanted to support what I do."