Steveda Chepko

Steveda “Stevie” Chepko was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously a member of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame (1999).

A native of Westover, W.Va., Chepko was born on Oct. 13, 1949. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from West Virginia University in 1971 and a Doctor of Education degree in curriculum and instruction and sport history from Temple University in 1987.

Chepko began her career as an instructor and coach at East Carolina University. After completing her doctorate, she held academic and administrative appointments at Castleton State College in Vermont, Salisbury State University in Maryland, and Springfield College in Massachusetts. She later served as department chair at Winthrop University in South Carolina and assistant dean at the University of Nebraska Omaha. She co-authored two books and three chapters on women in sport textbooks. She was most noted for her historical research on women's basketball in America.

A nationally recognized leader in physical education teacher preparation, accreditation, and performance-based standards, Chepko chaired the task force that revised the National Standards for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education and contributed to the development of grade-level outcomes for K–12 physical education. She also served as senior vice president for accreditation at the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation in Washington, D.C.

Her professional contributions were recognized with multiple honors, including the Joy of Effort Award and the Honor Award from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She was named a Visiting Scholar at Smith College during the 100th anniversary celebration of women’s basketball and was selected as an inaugural fellow of the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance. She was also a member of the Castleton State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Chepko passed away in February 2020 at the age of 70.