Atterbom named head of Health, Physical Education and Athletics

Dr. Hemming Atterbom has been named head of Valdosta State University's Department of Health, Physical Education and Athletics within the College of Education.

Atterbom arrives at VSU from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, where he spent nearly 30 years as a faculty member in the Division of Physical Performance and Development.

"Students and faculty will characterize Dr. Atterbom as a very warm, friendly and gracious person," said Dr. F.D. Toth, dean of the College of Education. "I've been most impressed with the harmonious relationships that he is building in the department and across the entire University. He is a learned man."

"I'm very impressed with the strength of the College of Education on this campus," Atterbom said. "Rarely have I experienced this degree of friendliness and cooperation in an organization-it's a good place to be."

Atterbom hopes to continue expanding the department's educational programs, specifically off-campus and post-graduate offerings.

"It pleases me to see that this university is so service-oriented," Atterbom said.

Originally from Sweden, Atterbom served as a captain in the Royal Swedish Army and was a middle school P.E. teacher in Stockholm, Sweden, before immigrating to the U.S. in 1964.

Atterbom earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1963 from The Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics, Stockholm, Sweden. He achieved his Master of Science in Physical Education and Spanish in 1966 from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and earned a Ph.D. in exercise physiology in 1971 from the University of Oregon.

Atterbom and his wife, Gerd, live in Valdosta.