Health and Physical Education

Academic Excellence in Health and Physical Education.

Hello, my name is Jeff Riddle and I am the Department Chair for the Health and Physical Education Department. I also serve as the Division Chair for the Professional Studies Division at Central Baptist College.

My CBC Story

My story at CBC began when I enrolled as a freshman in the fall of 1985. I worked as the equipment manager for the Men’s Basketball Team.  Little did I know at the time that God would continue to open doors for me to stay at CBC for next 35 years.

First Generation College Student

I grew up on a dairy farm in Martinville, Arkansas and was very blessed to be a first-generation college student. Business was my first choice major but earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Education at CBC in 1988.  I was fortunate to be able to continue to live at CBC and serve as the Intramural Director and Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. While continuing my education at UCA.  I completed a Bachelor of Science in Education degree at UCA in 1991 with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Psychology.

Admissions Counselor to Vice President

God extended my time at CBC when I was hired as the first full-time Admissions Counselor immediately after graduating from UCA. I continued to work in Admissions as the Director of Admissions until 1996.  Later I stepped out of Admissions and into student services in the fall of 1996 to serve as the Dean of Students.  I soon started my graduate work at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa California and received my Master of Education in College Student Affairs in 2001. After I earned my masters degree I was promoted to Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students.

Back to the Gym Where I Began

In the fall of 2003, I stepped away from the administrative position. I went back to the gym where I began at CBC. This time as the chair of the P.E. Department and Athletic Director.  My passion was always teaching so God provided an avenue for me to live out my passion and have a chance to spend more time with my family. I have been serving as a full-time faculty member since 2003.

College Instructor

My role as a college instructor has morphed into other areas as well.  Not only do I get to teach most of the activity and core classes in my department.  I also teach courses in our Kinesiology Department and Intro to Sociology for the Behavioral Sciences Department.

Relatable and Real to My Students

Since I get to teach in three different departments, I want to be an instructor who is relatable, genuine and real to students. I feel honored that I can mentor our young men and women because this is a very serious role for me.

Relevant and Applicable Learning

Many of the courses that I teach are foundational and are a part of the general education core requirements. I try to help the students understand why they need the information in these courses. Then, I relate the material to them in real time with a street level approach. I use current topics and headlines to make learning relevant and applicable to their lives.

Challenged to Solidify their Values

I challenge students to look ahead right from their starting blocks of adulthood to formulate and solidify their values and Christian worldview.  I want to challenge them to prepare for adulthood in health and physical activity classes, by stressing the importance of all dimensions of wellness. Above all else, we emphasize the role of spiritual wellness in our courses.

God Made Us to Be Social

We teach in Sociology that God made us to be social and provided our social structure. We also emphasize the role of the traditional family unit and its place in shaping our society.

God Created Us in a Unique Way

In sport safety, we illustrate how God created us in such a unique and incredible way. That he designed not only to protect us but also allow for movement and activity.

Foundation for Our Student’s Future

In each course, my goal is that students realize that they learned something foundational and vital for their education. I am thankful to be a part of building that foundation for their future.

Join the Mustang Family

Are you looking for a academic excellence in Health and Physical Education? Schedule your visit or apply today at cbc.edu/whycbc.