Alumni

Faculty Five - Sharon Shields, Ph.D.

Sharon Shields, professor of the practice of health promotion and education and a member of the HOD faculty, has been with Peabody for over 30 years. One of the college's treasured professors, she delivered the 2006 Peabody Commencement address (PDF).

Shields is a service-learning pioneer, an advocate for health services and disease risk reduction, and a supporter of equality for women’s sports. She recently sat with Libby Williams, B.S. (HOD) and a graduate student in the M.Ed. program, to discuss her work.

What sparked your passion for community service?
I have always been involved in community service, even from high school. Back then, community service was not required as it is today. However, my family, teachers, mentors, and civic leaders motivated me to serve.

They instilled in me that the more privilege and education you have, the more responsibility you have to society. I believe that your service to the community should grow exponentially with your education.

What current projects are you working on?
One of the most interesting is a 10-year ongoing project with Vanderbilt students and students from the University of New Mexico, Gallup. Most of the Gallup students grew up on the Navajo reservation and have never left.

Currently, one of our HOD students, Danielle Dittrich, is helping me design a mural arts project. The project will last three weeks and the goal is to educate the Gallup students about health awareness.

The students from New Mexico will submit artwork that reflects health issues and solutions that they have identified from their community. The mural, then, will be a composition of these pieces of art.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your relationship with the Gallup students?
I would say the biggest benefit is the reciprocity of learning that has resulted between our community and theirs. As I said, all of the Gallup students grew up on the Navajo reservation and most have never left. By bringing these students to Vanderbilt as well as sending our students there, the experience has been extremely enlightening for both groups.

During this cross-cultural exchange, Vanderbilt students learn that individuals can be bound by privilege as much as poverty. Although the Gallup students grew up in severe poverty and this lifestyle is all they have ever seen, there is a richness and commitment to their culture that is sometimes lost with material privilege. Likewise, the Gallup students are exposed to our culture and learn about all the opportunities that an education can provide. Both groups learn different things and develop a deeper appreciation for each other.

As a former president of the National Association of Girls and Women in Sport and advocate for Title IX, what is your opinion on women’s sports in the USA?
I have always felt very strongly about the importance of equality between women’s and men’s sports. This sparked from my love of sports—I attended University of Louisville where I played on the basketball team, volleyball team, field hockey, and ran track.

I have witnessed firsthand the success Title IX has had on women’s sports. During my presidency, Title IX came under attack and the federal government was attempting to eliminate Title IX.

I do not believe that women have achieved equal status with men in sports, and I think we need Title IX as much today as we did in 1972. Yes, there has been progress but we still have not achieved equitable opportunity for women. Because of my belief, I started a program called “Backyards and Beyond.” It is a grass roots campaign that is working to educate women about issues that impact women’s sports.

I am also proud to say that I was part of the Save Title IX campaign and, because of our efforts, the Title was saved!

What are some interesting facts about you that most people do not know?
When I played for the University of Louisville basketball team, we made it to the "Sweet 16" in 1971. I was their 5 foot 4 inch point guard! Today, I still love exercising and one of my favorite activities is taking a long walk around Radnor Lake.

Finally, Peabody has recently found out about my ability to clog. So we have now created a new tradition. During summer orientation, I stand up and clog for the entire freshmen class and hope that people join in.