John
Helion, Ph.D.
Professor of Kinesiology
Bio
After a 48 year career in education covering all levels from kindergarten to university, I felt that it was time to retire. I was fortunate enough to spend 29 of those years at West Chester University as a Professor in the Honors College and the Department of Kinesiology. I was the creator and instructor of the Honors College’s Self Awareness course (HON 100), the first course taken by the incoming Honors College students, which I had the pleasure of co-teaching with many fellow faculty for over 20 years. Our current University President, Laurie Bernotsky, served as the Experienced Observer for the very first section of the course! Several former students have returned to teach in the Honors College including co-teaching the HON 100 course; the students have become the masters! Teaching was one of the most rewarding parts of my career and I remain good friends with many of my former students to this day. I stay busy in my retirement and regularly return to WCU as a guest lecturer in the Athletic Coaching Minor program which I led for many years and I still provide teambuilding for several of the athletic teams. Along with this, I volunteer at our local hospital, where I work with the Security Department and also in the NICU where I serve as a trained “cuddler” for premature infants. I work as a Ranger on one of our local golf courses, which provides me with free golf. In the time that is left, you’ll find me riding my road bike on the various rail trails in the area and working to improve my golf game. I will break 90 consistently! My most pleasant role is that of being “Pop” to my three grandchildren, who I try to see whenever I can.