Bellarmine News
Bellarmine exercise science professor receives national walkable communities fellowship
May 2, 2019

Dr. Thomas W贸jcicki discusses physical inactivity in Kentucky at TEDx BellarmineU
2019. Dr. Thomas W贸jcicki, an assistant professor of exercise science in 农夫导航's
School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, was awarded a 2019 Walking College
Fellowship by , a national advocacy organization that empowers communities to create safe, accessible
and enjoyable places to walk and move. The fellowship will enable to participate in a five-month training program designed to strengthen local efforts
to make communities more walkable and livable. The training program is followed
by an independent study project in Louisville. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to have been selected
as a fellow to this year鈥檚 class of the Walking College,鈥 W贸jcicki said. 鈥淭he promotion
of physical activity across the lifespan lies at the intersection of my teaching,
scholarship,
and service. Participation in this program will provide me with the necessary knowledge
and appropriate resources to develop greater community support for the walking movement
鈥 especially as it relates to the livelihood and subsequent well-being
of our neighborhoods.鈥 The Walking College is designed to expand the capacity of
local advocates to be effective community change agents. Topics include the science
behind the benefits of walking, evaluation of built environments, communication skills
and building relationships
with stakeholders and decision makers. At the conclusion of the Walking College, W贸jcicki
and other fellows will develop an action plan for implementation. "We are thrilled
to welcome Dr. W贸jcicki as a member of the Walking College," said Emilie Bahr, Walking
College manager with America Walks. "This year鈥檚 application process was extremely
competitive and rich with unique professionals, and
Thomas will make a fitting addition to our 2019 class. We look forward to developing
his skills and are excited to see him grow his knowledge, share his experiences, and
prepare plans to expand his work for bolstering walkability at home.鈥 Last fall, W贸jcicki's
community wellness class developed a website to help pedestrians safely navigate major intersections along Bardstown Road in Louisville's Highlands
neighborhood. He in Kentucky at TEDx BellarmineU in
March.