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Nick J. Cutforth

Professor

Professor in Research Methods

What I do

Professor, Research Methods & Information Science Department, Morgridge College of Education.

Nick will retire in June 2024.

Specialization(s)

Community based research, rural education, physical education, school health and wellness, qualitative research

Professional Biography

Nick Cutforth is Professor in the Research Methods and Statistics Program in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. His research and teaching interests include rural school health and physical activity environments, physical education, university/community partnerships, and community-based research. Using fieldwork and applied research methods, his writing focuses on the social consequences of this work and draws on the belief that the diverse talents of academics, students, educators, and community members can produce excellent research that will strengthen the community as a whole and enhance the relevance of the academy in addressing real world problems.

Nick has co-authored two books: Youth Development and Physical Activity: Linking Universities with Communities (Human Kinetics, 2000) and Community-Based Research and Higher Education: Principles and Practices (Jossey-Bass, 2003) and has published over 40 articles in the community-based research, physical education, and public health fields. Currently he is conducting fieldwork for a book focusing on the professional roles and lives of physical education teachers who also coach school sports teams in San Luis Valley schools.

Nick will retire in June 2024.

Degree(s)

  • Ph.D., Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation, University of Illinois , 1994
  • MS, Physical Education, University of Oregon, 1983
  • BA, Physical Education and Geography., College of St. Paul and St. Mary, 1981

Professional Affiliations

  • American Public Health Association

Research

Nick Cutforth's research and teaching interests include rural school health and physical activity environments, physical education, university/community partnerships, and community-based research. Using fieldwork and applied research methods, his writing focuses on the social consequences of this work and draws on the belief that the diverse talents of academics, students, educators, and community members can produce excellent research that will strengthen the community as a whole and enhance the relevance of the academy in addressing real world problems.

Nick has co-authored two books: Youth Development and Physical Activity: Linking Universities with Communities (Human Kinetics, 2000) and Community-Based Research and Higher Education: Principles and Practices (Jossey-Bass, 2003) and has published over 40 articles in the community-based research, physical education, and public health fields. Currently he is conducting fieldwork for a book focusing on the professional roles and lives of physical education teachers who also coach school sports teams in San Luis Valley schools.

Nick will retire in June 2024.

Areas of Research

Physical Education
Healthy School Environments
Community Engagement
Community-based Research