Mallinson honored with McKay Donkin Award

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Rebecca Mallinson, assistant teaching professor of kinesiology and director of the Center for Fitness and Wellness in the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education at Penn State Harrisburg, has earned the 2026 McKay Donkin Award.

Established in 1969 in honor of the late McKay Donkin, who served as vice president and treasurer of the University from 1957 to 1968, the award is presented to a full-time member of the faculty or staff or to a retiree who has contributed most to the "economic, physical, mental or social welfare of the faculty" of the University. The contribution should be for duties or services above and beyond the recipient's regularly assigned duties.

Nominators called Mallinson a driving force toward improving faculty wellness. Through a series of initiatives, she implemented engaging health and wellness programs for faculty and staff at Penn State that are having a positive outcome.

One effort was an eight-week healthy-living campaign which challenged participants to exercise, eat healthier, drink water, engage in acts of kindness, sleep adequately, and pursue healthy relationships and social interactions. Participants worked in teams in a friendly competition as each team vied for the most "healthy living" points. More than 70 people participated in the program, which was based on the "Healthier Days" system designed by Ted Ackroyd and the Ackroyd Family Foundation.

"Participants, on average, indicated that they were more satisfied with their health at the end of the program compared to the beginning of the program," a nominator said. "Additionally, many participants indicated that they made deliberate choices each week to live healthier because of the program."

Mallinson also organized a 5K run/walk training program, which was completed by about 30 faculty and staff at Penn State Harrisburg. This 11-week program implemented a holistic approach that centered on exercise training, nutrition, sleep and social health. She provided weekly exercise plans and training tips, and the program culminated with participation in a local 5K event.

"The program also included fitness assessments at the beginning and end of the program, during which time Mallinson and her colleague, Josh Gray, met with faculty and staff individually to provide them with information about their health, such as body composition, aerobic fitness and muscular strength," a nominator said. "She has gone beyond her typical duties as a faculty member to provide other faculty and staff the opportunity to live healthier in a structured, supportive and encouraging environment."

Participants said Mallinson's efforts are improving their physical and mental wellness. They said the certified exercise physiologist is always willing to answer questions, give guidance and be the positive encouragement people need as they push to improve their personal fitness and wellness.

"Mallinson has combined her professional expertise as an exercise physiologist and her personal passion for running into engaging and beneficial programs for faculty and staff that are designed to improve physical health as well as boost mental and emotional health," a nominator said. "Research has demonstrated that exercise has impressive benefits for mental health, and striving toward healthy living in a supportive community may also have positive effects on emotional health. Mallinson is doing a great service to the Penn State community."