Dr. Wendell Otto is an adjunct instructor in the sport performance and psychology program. He is a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and is listed on the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry. Dr. Otto obtained his undergraduate degree in physical education from George Fox University. Upon his graduation, he served as an educator for 32 years. Dr. Otto has a master’s in teaching education from Grand Canyon University and a master’s in education in school counseling from the University of West Alabama. As a former national-class runner for George Fox College (University), he was inducted into the George Fox University Sports Hall of Fame. Dr. Otto spent his career as a track and field coach at the high school, collegiate, and national level. He was awarded Coach of the Year by his peers in cross country 11 times and invited to participate in the USOC Emerging Elite Coaching program for both the long distances and for the jumping events.
Areas of Expertise
- Youth athletes
- Collegiate athletes
- Master athletes
Research Interests
- Youth sports
- Coaching education
Dr. Wendell Otto began as an EdD student in the sport and performance psychology program and is now an assistant professor in the program.
Student profile from 2017
Why did you choose UWS? Why did you choose SPP?
Specialized knowledge and skills are required to become a certified sport psychology consultant (CC-AASP) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). The UWS curriculum was designed specifically to help professionals complete all of the specialized coursework to achieve certification through AASP. The program was also available entirely online and is only one of the few in the nation that one can pursue a doctorate that is fully accredited.
What has been your favorite class/instructor?
I’ve enjoyed all the classes, especially those around athletic performance. Dr. Conrad Woolsey has been the most engaging professor that I have had. He reaches out and works hard for his students and makes the material in the courses come alive.
What has been your experience with learning in SPP’s online environment?
I have received two master’s degrees through the online format at two different universities. UWS has made the online learning process easy and it feels like I am in a live classroom. The way UWS utilizes the online platform is professional and easy to manage.
What has been the most surprising part of attending UWS?
The simplicity of the learning platform and the sheer amount of engaging and exciting learning that I have gained in such a short period of time. The communication among the staff and professors at UWS is amazing.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I would like to be able to transfer information that I have gained from the EdD program to help shape and advance counseling techniques to help struggling students. I will also gain certification as a consultant with AASP and be able to register with the USOC as a performance consultant to provide help for emerging elite athletes.
Wild Card: Favorite sport and why?
When I’m away from school and coaching I enjoy playing golf and tennis.
