Julianna Cleaves: Outstanding Graduate Assistant in KPE

Julianna Cleaves in the 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Assistant in Kinesiology and Physical Education Award. She has been a graduate student in the School of Kinesiology, Physical Education and Athletic Training for two years under the supervision of Jennifer McNulty, senior lecturer in health education and lifespan. The graduate assistant position allowed her to instruct Lifetime Fitness Labs and assist faculty members in other courses offered in the School of KPEAT. Specifically, within the lab setting she improved her abilities in public speaking, creating and developing exercise programs, constructing and executing group workouts and providing feedback for students.

This spring, Julianna will be earning her Master of Education in KPE. During her undergraduate program, also at the University of Maine, she studied exercise science with a minor in human nutrition. As a former athlete at various levels, she valued fitness and athletics. Alongside further education in the graduate program, she discovered her passion for holistic health and wellness. She found all of her internship opportunities to be extremely beneficial.

This coming fall, Julianna will be traveling and pursuing further education, such as integrative health practitioner certifications and possibly acupuncture school. She feels tremendous gratitude for the professors and co-graduate assistants within Lengyel Hall and the numerous opportunities that the University of Maine has offered.