One UNM Exercise Science Professor is being recognized at a national level.

Ann Gibson has been presented with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)’s 2023 Recognition Award. This award is given annually by the Southwest Chapter’s Board of Trustees to the individual who has made significant contributions to the field of sports medicine or exercise science through scholarly achievement and/or service to SWACSM.

This places Gibson on a National scale of 70 sports medicine professions, more than 50,000 members and certified professionals from 90 countries. This award has been distributed since 1982, and highlights Gibson among a number of exercise science legends. 

“It is humbling and astonishing at the same time. I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined that my name would be on that list with the giants on whose shoulders I stand,” Gibson said. 

Gibson has not only played an integral role in teaching and research at UNM, but has served ACSM since 2010. She is the Southwest chapter’s representative to the national ACSM organization. Just within ACSM, Gibson has also been a volunteer, an elected Member-At-Large on the Board, and Southwest Chapter President.  

In addition to service to the Chapter, and UNM, Gibson has a long list of publications and presentations under her belt. She is especially proud of a co-authored chapter in the 11th ed of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing & Prescription, lead author role for the 8th and 9th eds of the academic textbook Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription and lead or co-author of peer reviewed manuscripts and abstracts.

The Department of Health, Exercise, & Sports Sciences (HESS) within the College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) is especially proud of Gibson. 

“Ann’s award from ACSM is a testament to the work she has done highlighting UNM’s Exercise Science program. This work not only gives back to our field, but ultimately serves our students (and helps recruit future students) in a very meaningful way,” Exercise Science Professor Emerita Christine Mermier said.  “All of the extra work she has done serving on committees and as SWACSM president, on top of writing a textbook, doing research, advising graduate students, and shouldering a heavy teaching load without complaint makes me proud to have been her colleague.”

“This is a fabulous and well-deserved tribute to Ann. Her contributions to SWACSM, UNM, our Undergrad and Graduate students, and our profession has been magnificent. We are all so fortunate to have her as a colleague,” Exercise Science Professor Len Kravitz said.

“Dr. Gibson’s recognition with the American College of Sports Medicine is a testament to the amazing faculty we have in the Exercise Science Program. Her dedication and contributions to the American College of Sports Medicine have elevated our institution’s reputation,” Exercise Science Associate Professor Fabiano Amorim said. “It demonstrates that our faculty are not only experts in their fields but also actively engaged in making significant contributions to our professional field. I would also like to highlight that Dr. Gibson’s recognition adds to the legacy of UNM, placing her name with other respected researchers including a previous awardee from UNM, Dr. Vivian Heyward.”

About the American College of Sports Medicine

ACSM advances and integrates scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.”  ACSM is one of the largest, if not the largest, and most well-respected credentialing organizations in exercise science and sports medicine. and founder of the now global Exercise Is Medicine® initiative.

On a regional scale, the Southwest Chapter (SWACSM) is a student-centric organization that provides opportunities for faculty and students of all levels from NM, AZ, UT, NV, CA, and HI colleges and universities to attend presentations delivered by leaders in the eclectic fields of exercise science and sports medicine, present posters of scientific research, and build their professional network.