MARQUETTE--Randall Jensen, a Northern Michigan University professor in the health, physicial education and recreation department, is the recipient of the 2012 NMU Distinguished Faculty Award for his university and professional contributions. He will be honored at commencement on Saturday, May 5.

An NMU faculty member since 1995, Jensen teaches classes in biomechanics, applied exercise physiology, research methods and statistics. He also conducts extensive research on the effect of strength on exercise performance, often assisted by students, and has many related publications and presentations to his credit. He is a past recipient of the NMU Excellence in Professional Development Award (2007).

Jensen will be on sabbatical during the 2012-13 academic year, serving as a visiting professor in the department of sport science at the University of Konstanz in Germany. He previously spent a year as a visiting professor at the University of Limerick in Ireland.

NMU hosted the XXVIII International Society of Biomechanics in Sport Conference in 2010. Jensen was chair of the organizing committee. He also served on the society’s board and is now secretary general through 2013.

Jensen earned his doctorate in exercise science from the University of Massachusetts in 1991. He also holds a master’s in adult fitness/cardiac rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and a bachelor’s in biology/physical education with a physiology emphasis from St. Cloud State University.