Professor Andy Smith

Andy has had an unusual career. He has an eclectic range of research interests. His passion is teaching students and helping them research. His ambition is to help students reach their full potential and supporting them in mastering topics and skills that they find interesting but challenging. After graduating with a Degree in Sport and Recreational Studies Andy worked in the private sector for 10 years managing and then directing a number of health clubs and Clinics. Through this work he became interested in why some people stick to an exercise programme whilst others drop out (an area of research called Exercise Adherence). He pursued this interest through a part time PhD at the University of Exeter supervised by Professors Stuart Biddle and Neil Armstrong. After gaining his Doctorate Andy entered Higher Education where he has held a number of posts including Head of School and Director of Institutional Advancement and Development. Andy was Chair of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) between 1998 – 2000 having previously been Conference Organiser (1997), the Association's Secretary (1993-1995), and headed up the Open Section (1991-1993).