Dr. Istvan Kovacs

Tell me about yourself. What is your educational background and where have you worked previously? 
I was born and grew up in Hungary and got all my education in my home country. I have two undergraduate degrees, one in physical education and one in coaching, and a masters in physical education. All from the Hungarian University of Physical education, the country’s premier institution in the field of health, physical education, and other related fields. My Ph.D. is in biomechanics from Eötvös Lóránd University of Budapest.

I started teaching as a high school physical educator in Budapest before accepting a teaching job at my alma mater, the Hungarian University of Physical Education. I worked at the Track and Field Department there for 11 years. My work experience includes coaching in track and field, swimming, and strength and conditioning for various pro and semi-pro sports clubs.

What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the education department? 

SRU’s physical education program has been one of the leading programs of our country for a long time. I was proud to join the department and continue my work in teacher education. My former job in Hungary was very similar to what I do here at SRU, so the transition was easy. I am happy to teach a variety of courses that I have passion toward. In general, Slippery Rock students are curious, eager to learn, and that creates a fantastic workplace for us, professors. Slippery Rock area is also a great place to live. It has a beautiful campus, and we have four great seasons for all sorts of outdoor physical activities that I thoroughly enjoy. 

What research projects are you currently working on?

I am currently part of a department research group looking at physical activity participation patterns and fitness levels of college students, as well as intensity levels provided by different physical activity designs for educational, sports, and recreational purposes. We have presented our findings at SHAPE America national conventions, which is the forum for health and physical education teachers and at the ACSM national conference, which is the biggest exercise science conference in the world.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a teacher/professor? If you cannot narrow it to one, describe one rewarding experience.

The most rewarding part of this profession is when I see students eager to learn day after day. It sounds simple, but in practice you do not always see that. How to generate or sustain students’ intrinsic motivation toward any particular subject area is the key. I was fortunate to be able to do that in many cases. Just one or two examples: when I was about to leave my high school position for college teaching, a student visited me in my office. He was really said because even though he did not excel in PE, he thoroughly enjoyed learning new motor skills in class. When the non-athletic kids like him say that, that can be the most rewarding experience. Similarly, when I heard from one of my SRU students that the Wellness through Movement class that she took with me was life-changing, I was very glad.

What were you like as a college student?

In college I considered myself a hard working individual, and that has not changed since. In college I had specific goals and strong motivation toward both academic excellence and success in sports. After the morning classes I attended varsity practices of the track & field team. In that sense my life was similar to our varsity athletes here at SRU. On the other hand, as a young man in a big city, I enjoyed socializing with friends and occasionally going to parties too. Interestingly, I started learning English as a second language relatively late in life, as a junior college student. I still remember the struggles through the first few English classes vividly. I always encourage our students to study a foreign language and see the world.

What do you know now that you wish you would have known as a college student?
I do not have any regrets. Obviously, I did some things that seem stupid looking back, but I did not get in any major trouble and finished my studies well. As a college student I apparently knew much less about life than I know now, but that is how it was just fine. My motto is that the past is the past; just look forward and imagine what great things are ahead of you.

What advice would you give to students who are entering or are currently in the teacher preparation program?

Volunteer. Seek for volunteer opportunities in classes, on campus, and outside campus in the community. Focus on your studies of course, but add volunteer service which gives you much more in rewards for your social, emotional, and spiritual wellness. In addition, be physically active. Find a physical activity that you love not necessarily for the health benefits, but because of the enjoyment of the activity. That will keep you in for a life.

What is one way that Slippery Rock University has positively influenced your life and/or professional career?

Having my studies completed in a foreign country I had a different view on education. After starting my tenure at SRU and learning about the educational climate in our country, my view on education changed dramatically. I now have a great understanding on what our society needs to live a healthier and more active lifestyle.

In addition, I am happily serving our community. Four years ago I reestablished the Slippery Rock Table Tennis Club which is open to student, faculty, staff members, administrator, and community members alike. We have players between ages 12 and 70 or so, and some of them even commute 50 minutes to get to practices. This volunteer service has changed my life tremendously, and I am glad to provide our 25-30 members with the opportunity to actively seek physical, social, and emotional health and wellness. Without the support of the PHE Department and SRU Athletics, this could not have happened.