Charles Marsden: OHIO Zanesville鈥檚 Recreation and Sport Services Professor

OHIO Zanesville welcomed Charles Marsden this spring as a visiting professor of Recreation and Sport Services. Bringing a wealth of experience and passion for physical education, Marsden is eager to engage students and the local community in innovative and exciting ways during the upcoming school year.

A Strong Educational Foundation

Marsden grew up in New York State, where he pursued both his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in education. Reflecting on his academic journey, he shared, 鈥淚 did my undergraduate in Physical Education (with a concentration in Elementary Education), followed immediately by a Master鈥檚 in Health Education.鈥� His strong foundation in education has fueled his dedication to fostering student engagement and program development.

Building Programs and Communities

Throughout his career, Marsden has been instrumental in starting and growing various sports programs and clubs. 鈥淚 started a mountain biking club, an Indoor Rock-Climbing Club, just a whole bunch of sports and clubs, eventually running sports camps, and a girls鈥� lacrosse program. I just got to the point where I gained tons of experience.鈥� His ability to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities is something he takes great pride in. 鈥淚'm very good at helping people come together for a common cause. Building programs with a sense of camaraderie makes it something that the community will have a vested interest in and value.鈥� 

Marsden has been reaching out to local high schools and arranging collaborative activities and events where he shares his teaching/coaching expertise while promoting the Recreation and Sport Services and related 花季传媒 degree programs. The aim is to attract more students to OHIO University and its regional campuses. His enthusiasm for student involvement and program growth is evident in his proactive outreach efforts.

Marsden is focused on bringing new sports programs and clubs to the OHIO Zanesville campus. By actively reaching out to students and local community partners, he's committed to creating additional opportunities that benefit both students and community members, helping to strengthen connections between the campus and the broader Zanesville area.

Commitment to Online Education and Student Engagement

Marsden鈥檚 thesis examined key factors influencing the success of online graduate education.  As an educator, he is deeply committed to student engagement and effective teaching practices. 鈥淚t is very important to have that same connection you would get in a brick-and-mortar classroom. You need to make opportunities for students to see you before and after scheduled sessions. Students need to have a voice, and you must be responsive within a 24鈥�48-hour turnaround; otherwise, you鈥檒l lose that feeling of engagement.鈥�

Enhancing Program Offerings with Industry Certifications

Marsden is actively enhancing the Recreation and Sport Services program offerings by incorporating industry-recognized credentialing. 鈥淲e are in the process of getting the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Personal Fitness Trainer certifications approved as a part of the program.鈥� This foundation allows students to immediately pursue careers in personal fitness, whether in the corporate world, coaching, or even working with colleges to enhance people鈥檚 fitness and performance.

Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Aspirations

Looking forward to the fall semester, Marsden plans to offer presentations to raise awareness about the Recreation and Sport Services program and health and fitness in general to the community. His energy, experience, and dedication make him a valuable addition to OHIO Zanesville, and he鈥檚 eagerly engaged in his new role. Students and faculty alike can look forward to the positive impact he will bring to the university and the community.

OHIO Zanesville is thrilled to have Dr. Marsden join the community. His extensive background in education, program development, and student engagement makes him a perfect fit for the Recreation and Sport Services department, complementing the longstanding legacy of the program in the community. His passion for fostering strong community connections, enhancing academic offerings, and inspiring students will undoubtedly enrich the campus environment. OHIO Zanesville looks forward to seeing the impact of his work and the exciting opportunities he will bring to students and the broader community.