A Conversation With...
Dr. Lon Seiger

Q: Where did you grow up and how did you get here, (A&M-CC)?

A: I’m from Honolulu, Hawaii. I have a Bachelors (BS) degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, a Masters degree (MEd) from East Central Oklahoma State University, and a Doctorate (EdD) from Oklahoma State University, all in Health Education. My wife is a teacher at Cunningham, and we have three children; two boys ages 14 and 11 and one daughter age 8. We also have two dogs, two birds and lots of guppies (fish). Anyway, there was a job here at TAMUCC; I applied for the position as a professor and was hired!

Q: What motivates you and has helped you become who you are today?

A: Probably what keeps me motivated is that I was gifted by God in physical activity. I actually earned a college scholarship in tennis. I’d been playing tennis since age (7) seven. I started teaching tennis at age (14) fourteen. My family moved from Hawaii to Spain in 1970. School wasn’t hard or easy for me. It was just something that had to be done. I got into that mindset. School and sports gave me structure throughout the day. That structure was good, because that meant my afternoons were busy and that kept me on my best behavior.

Q: What makes you passionate about your field and teaching students?

A: If you don’t have passion for your health, then what do you have passion for ? Health is like an invisible crown. You only see it when you lose it. When you are healthy, you can go out and accomplish all your goals with a energy high-level.

Q: What course(s) are your favorite to teach?

A: I’d have to say Health Education, Creative Lifestyles for Wellness, Nutrition, Stress Management, Relationship Building, Psychological Well-Being, (every semester I like teaching this one), and Spiritual Well-Being.

Q: What co-curricular activities are you involved in, and how can students become involved with you in those activities?

A: I definitely enjoy the “drum circle”, which helps connect to self, each other, family, community and the Universe. It develops leadership, followship and relationships.

Q: Outside of TAMUCC, what extracurricular activities are you involved in; what do you do for fun?

A: I love all water sports; surfing, sailing, jet skiing, wind surfing, scuba diving, and just walking along the beach.

Q: Who inspired you the most or had the greatest impact during your collegiate experience which directed you to your field of study?

A: My parents and grandmother had the greatest impact during my collegiate years. Two college professors at Oklahoma State University directed me to the Health Education field I am in now.

Q: What is your greatest achievement and whom do you attribute this to?

A: My greatest achievement is earning a doctorate in Health Education from Oklahoma State University. I attribute this success to my parents and wife who offered the support I needed to get through the difficult times.

Q: What question does the study of Health attempt to answer?

A: The question the Health field attempts to answer is “How can we change attitude and behaviors so that more of our population can take advantage of health promotion activities?

Q: Wouldn’t be caught dead wearing?

A: I wouldn’t be caught wearing a tie – it chokes my ideas!