Carl and Shiryn Gabbard

Carl Gabbard graduated from Tarleton in 1972 and 1973 with a B.S. and M.Ed. both in Physical Education. Carl met Shiryn while at Tarleton. Carl went on to earn his Ed.D. in Physical Education from the University of North Texas in 1978. Shiryn graduated from Tarleton in 1972 with a B.S. in Elementary Education with a specialization in art. She used that foundation to have a full 32-year career as a teacher. Carl is a Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Child Motor Development Lab in the Motor Neuroscience Division at Texas A&M University, and a Fellow in the National Academy of Kinesiology. He has published over 280 articles of research and application related to motor development and physical activity. He is the author of Lifelong Motor Development (Wolters Kluwer) now in its 8th edition and has co-authored and reviewed several major curricular documents. He has presented his work in France, China, Portugal, Brazil, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Canada, Mexico, and Ecuador. Among Carl’s honors are Karpovich Lecturer (Springfield College), Margie R. Hanson Distinguished Service Award (SHAPE), and the Motor Development Senior Lecturer (NASPSPA). Carl served as President of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (over 18k members) and as Chair of the Motor Development section for NASPSPA.

The Gabbards created this endowment in appreciation for the strong educational foundation Tarleton State University provided. A foundation that led to impactful careers and rewarding lives.