Dr. Kiersten L. Bond
Assistant Professor, Public Health Program
Degrees Held:
PhD in Health Education Health Promotion from the University of Alabama, 2022
MA in Health Sciences from the University of Alabama, 2013
BA in Public Health Promotion and Pre-Medicine from Purdue University, 2010
Career Highlights:
Prior to pursuing my Ph.D., I owned and operated a fitness studio in Dallas, TX! There, I taught HIIT, Bootcamp, Kickboxing, and Barre Classes! I love teaching fitness classes and I am fortunate to be able to continue teaching an exercise class every semester here at UMHB too! If I did not find a passion for teaching fitness, I would not have found how much I also love to teach in academia!
In which online program(s) do you teach?
MPH
In what ways do you connect with online students?
Email, Canvas, and Zoom.
Why did you start teaching?
Besides teaching fitness classes while working on my Master's Degree, after I graduated with my MA, my then, Department Chair at the University of Alabama, asked if I would teach two undergraduate courses. This was my first experience leading a classroom, and through this, I found how much I enjoyed also teaching in the academic setting. I always intended on teaching in the classroom again, even though God led me on a different path to open my fitness studio, but in the end, he circled me back to helping others pursue a career path!
What advice would you give your online students?
I would suggest to stay organized! If you haven't used a planner or calendar in the past, I would highly suggest getting used to writing down all the due dates in the planner and/or on a calendar at the beginning of the semester. This will help you stay on track with your assignments! Another suggestion I would have is to ask questions early! It is better to ask your professor questions earlier in the semester to help ensure your success in the course!
What qualities make someone successful in the field in which you teach?
Qualities that make someone successful in Public Health are honesty, integrity, empathy, culturally competent, and personally driven. Individuals in Public Health will be working with diverse populations; therefore, they must be able to listen, understand, and engage with others who are different from them.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
The Bible.
What do you do when you need a laugh?
Hang out with my dogs and chickens! They're always into something!
Tell us a story.
After I finished my Master's from University of Alabama, I opened and owned a small boutique fitness studio in Dallas, TX. I really loved teaching fitness classes, training new instructors, and watching my clients and instructors build strength and confidence. Although I loved what I was doing, God had other plans for my life (as he always does!) and opened up new and unexpected opportunities for me that I knew I could not refuse. I trusted in the Lord's plan, which led me to get my Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in Health Education and Health Promotion while a long-time client took over my studio. If God had not led me through my path of training instructors, I would have never been able to find how passionate I am about teaching others! I am so thankful and blessed to be able to continue my journey here at the UMHB!
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