USF physical education program hosts 2025 AIESEP international conference

The 2025 International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP) Conference brought a global wave of energy and expertise to the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, drawing 363 delegates from 40 countries.

From May 18 to 22, the waterfront campus buzzed with innovation as educators, researchers, and practitioners shared cutting-edge insights and best practices in physical education. The five-day event featured exciting presentations, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities.

The conference kicked off with high energy and school spirit as Rocky the Bull led a lively pep rally, readying delegates for an exciting week ahead. Music blasted through the venue as the crowd cheered, setting the stage for a memorable opening.

Moments later, the organizing committee—Craigory Nieman, Sara Flory, and Haichun Sun—made a grand entrance as the event's "starting lineup," dancing and jumping down the aisle. Once on stage, Flory grabbed a T-shirt cannon and launched shirts into the crowd while Sun and Nieman joined in, tossing more to eager delegates. The playful, high-energy welcome set a fun and friendly tone that carried through the rest of the week.

"The opening ceremony set the tone for the entire conference," said Nieman, an assistant professor of instruction in physical education at the USF College of Education. "We wanted to create a fun and engaging space where people not only interact meaningfully but build a community with one another."

Following brief opening remarks, Craigory Nieman and Sara Flory introduced Kiki Caruson, vice president of USF World, who took the stage to speak on the power of international collaboration in higher education.

Adding to the lighthearted atmosphere, two audience volunteers joined members of the AIESEP board for an orange relay race, drawing laughter and cheers from the crowd. The friendly competition ended with the winner claiming a USF Athletics prize pack.

Jenifer Schneider, interim dean of the USF College of Education, took the stage to express her gratitude to the conference attendees and to commend the outstanding work of USF's physical education program. Her warm remarks were followed by another round of fun, interactive activities that kept the energy high and the crowd engaged.

USF Physical Education Distinguished University Professor Emeritus Lou Bowers, who joined the university in 1967, was welcomed to the stage to reflect on the rich history of the physical education program at USF. As he spoke, a nostalgic slideshow played behind him, showcasing decades of archival photos that captured the program's evolution and impact.

In a heartfelt surprise, USF physical education faculty honored Lou Bowers with the "Heart of the Herd" award, recognizing his decades of dedication and impact on the program. The award—a striking crystal bull—symbolized his enduring legacy and the deep appreciation felt by colleagues and students alike.

"We are just so appreciative of all the work he [Lou Bowers] did pioneering the physical education program here at USF," said Flory, a professor and undergraduate program coordinator of physical education at the USF College of Education. "It was really touching to be able to honor him in a ballroom full of over 300 people."

AIESEP President Fiona Chambers delivered brief remarks highlighting the importance of global collaboration in physical education before Rocky returned to bring the opening ceremonies to a close.

The rest of the week was packed with academic engagement, featuring five keynote speakers who offered compelling insights into the evolving landscape of physical education. The program also included nine pre-conference sessions that laid the groundwork for deeper exploration and discussion.

"This conference was an amazing platform for sharing research and building global connections," said Nieman. "Several people approached me throughout the week with interest in collaborating with USF, which speaks volumes about the impact of this event."

In total, 14 symposiums and 227 oral abstract presentations filled the schedule, creating the ideal environment for sharing research and fostering international collaboration. From innovative teaching strategies to global policy discussions, the conference served as a hub for meaningful exchange and forward-thinking ideas.

"There were so many opportunities for collaboration, conversation, and connection with folks from around the world,” said Flory. "It was incredibly motivating to hear about the research happening globally and to dive into conversations about the shared and differing challenges we're tackling in the field."

One of the week's standout events was the poster competition, which brought together physical education leaders from across the globe. A total of 52 posters were presented, each showcasing innovative research, creative approaches, and fresh perspectives on advancing the field.

Katie Nash, a doctoral student in mathematics education at USF, won first place for her poster on interdisciplinary learning, focusing on a pilot study she conducted incorporating physical activity into mathematics.

"This an absolutely incredible accomplishment," said Nieman. "Katie has a very, very bright future ahead of her, and she's going to be making major waves in physical and mathematics education."

During the conference's closing ceremonies on May 22, USF President Rhea Law took the stage to speak about the incredible work of the USF physical education program and the exciting opportunities for international collaboration ahead.

As the final sessions wrapped and delegates prepared to return home, the spirit of collaboration and innovation remained. The 2025 AIESEP Conference not only showcased the strength of USF's physical education program but also highlighted the university's growing role as a global convener of thought leaders in the field.

The success of the event was made possible through the dedication of the planning committee and the generous support from across the USF system.

"We're incredibly grateful for the support we received from across USF, especially from the amazing team at the St. Petersburg campus," said Flory. "David Rosengrant, Angela Hollenback, and Beth Wilt went above and beyond. Any time we needed help, they were wonderful and played a huge role in making this conference a success."

With new partnerships formed, ideas exchanged, and momentum built, the conference left attendees energized and eager to continue advancing physical education here at USF and around the globe.