Lacey White Deal, M.Ed.
Adult Fitness Program Director
Where did you grow up and what activities were you involved in?
I grew up just 30 minutes south of Ruston in Quitman. My parents moved there when I was only 4 months old and still live in the same house. Growing up I participated in track and cross country until I was about 16 years old. But, most of my time was spent riding horses and competing in rodeos. I spent most weeknights in an arena practicing and then weekends traveling all over the state. I loved every minute of it and know now that I was very blessed to have parents that were willing to drive me up and down the road every weekend.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I had no clue. I was always told, āyou can do whatever you want, just donāt be a teacher.ā My mom was a high school science teacher and knew very well how hard it was to be a public-school teacher. But I guess some of her knowledge rubbed off on me. During my undergraduate days I always struggled in classes and really had a hard to making a connection to what I was learning. During graduate school everything that I was learning just clicked. I knew that being a teacher was the place for me. After graduation I did not want to be a traditional teacher and spent 10 years working in aquatics. My classroom was a pool and my students ranged in age from 6 months to 86 years of age.
What was your first job?
My first job out of high school was working a J & H Boots and Jeans. I worked there for a few years in high school and college. My first job out of college was as the Programs Coordinator for D.S. Recreational Services in Houston, Texas. I managed aquatic programs and staff training for 36 pools in the North Houston area.
Where did you attend undergrad and what was your major?
Louisiana Tech University, Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Wellness (now Health Promotion)
Where did you attend graduate school and your activities during that time?
Louisiana Tech University, Masters of Elementary Education
What brought you to Louisiana Tech?
After spending 10 years in Texas, getting married and having two children my husband and I decided that it was time to move home. My husband took a position in the School of Design here at Tech, teaching in the architecture program. My background in teaching opened up the door for me to take a Special Education position at Glen View Elementary. After only a few years I knew that I was in the wrong place for my talents and passions. Luckily for me I had developed a relationship with Mrs. Boyd and her parents while assisting with her chair exercise class during my graduate school days. This relationship and some great timing opened the door for me to use the knowledge I had gained while working in the aquatics field in Texas and teaching special education to teach in the Kinesiology department.
What classes do you teach at Louisiana Tech?
I am the current director of the Adult Fitness Program (that I helped with when I was a student) and because of this I coordinate the KINE 425: Practicum classes. I also teach KINE 414: Introduction to Adaptive Physical Education and Sport, KINE 256: Aerobic Conditioning, Strength Conditioning and Aquatics, KINE 202: Foundations of Kinesiology, KINE 220: First Aid. This year I am also adding courses offered within our PE program to my list of classes.
What are your research interests?
My focus of research the last few years has revolved around health education and the impact of service learning on our community and the impacts it has on our student experiences.
What organizations are you affiliated with?
Special Olympics of North East Louisiana, Med Camps of Louisiana, SHAPE, LAPHERD and Buddy Ball of Ruston
Tell us about your family.
I have been a married to my husband Brad since May of 2007. We met as students at Tech and then moved to Texas for right at 10 years. We had our first son Oli (12) while living in Austin. When our second child Finn (8) was on the way we decided to move back home and be near family. Brad took a position teaching in the Architecture program here at Tech. I then soon followed a few years later. Now that our boys have gotten a little older we love to travel as much as possible. Amusement Parks, Camping, Hiking and Mountain Biking are some of our favorite destinations. This summer we took a huge three-week road trip to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and Utah. We visited 11 National Parks and spent two days playing at Disneyland. The bug to fill our National Park passport has hit and we have plans for a similar trip next year to Utah and Colorado.
What do you like to do in your spare time to unwind?
We spend lots of time at Lincoln Parish Park. During our COVID summer we bought nice bikes for our kids. This opened up a new place for us to spend time together. We are also massive Formula 1 racing fans. On race weekends you can find us most mornings in front of the TV watching our favorite drivers. Our bucket list trip is to go to the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, United Kingdom.
What is your favorite quote?
āBe the person you needed when you were young.ā
Anything else you would like for us to know. I remember being a student at Tech and really having no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. That really didnāt change the day I graduated either. I never passed up an opportunity that came my way and ended up with some pretty great jobs after college, hard jobs, but good jobs. I never made a ton of money, but my jobs were never about the money. I always wanted to be doing something that I enjoyed and really liked the people that I worked with on a daily basis. I know without a doubt that all of the jobs and people that influenced me through college and in my career have played a major role in where I am today. I want my students to understand that life, whether it be work or family is not always going to be easy. Hard work, patience, learning and mistakes are all part of the process. Donāt settle for something that does not fulfill you, keep pushing, keep learning and one day you will find exactly what you are supposed to be in life.
The Exponential Factor 