“Focusing on the students you are helping, the passion you are sharing, and the lives you have the potential to impact, is really what makes this a rewarding career.”
Lora Bedard is making a lasting impact on students at The University of Texas Permian Basin, and she's getting state recognition for all of her hard work. The Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance is awarding her the University Health Teacher of the Year Award for 2025!
Bedard has built her career around helping students discover their passions, build healthy habits, and pursue lives filled with purpose. She joined UT Permian Basin in 2017 as an adjunct and transitioned to a full-time lecturer in 2019. Now, she serves as Chair of the University Athletics Committee, Faculty Athletics Representative, and Faculty Advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. She also developed and now teaches Lifetime Wellness and Health, a UT System core curriculum course designed to help students adopt lifelong healthy habits.
“I love helping people,” she said. “Whether that be finding a physical activity they love, deciding on a career path, or writing a letter of recommendation for their dream job. If I feel like I’ve helped students at the end of the day, I’m happy.”
UTPB has become her sweet spot to pursue those dreams. She’s taught at numerous institutions and feels here she can be better connected to her students.
Beyond academics, Bedard models the principles she teaches. From completing her first full marathon to becoming a certified yoga instructor and international guest fitness instructor, she demonstrates what it means to live a life of wellness, balance, and purpose. Outside of her professional life, Bedard is a proud wife to Pascal and mother to five-year-old Brody.
Above all, her proudest legacy is her students’ success.
“Getting the call or email that they got their first teaching or coaching job or were admitted into graduate school is the best feeling,” Bedard shared. “To be even a small part of their journey is the best legacy I could ask for.”
She credits her mentors and parents for their support and hopes the award reflects the impact she has on the next generation. Congratulations, Bedard, on this fantastic achievement!
