CSUSB student Maurice Cruz earned the 2025 National Undergraduate Scholar Award from the American Kinesiology Association (AKA), the top nationally recognized organization in the field. This prestigious award honors exceptional academic achievement, leadership and a commitment to advancing the field of kinesiology and related disciplines.

National award winners were chosen through a comprehensive evaluation by the AKA Student Awards Committee, using standardized rubrics for each category. As this year's recipient, Cruz will be awarded an AKA medal and a certificate of national recognition.

Cruz, a senior majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science, has exemplified leadership and academic excellence throughout his time at CSUSB. He was president of the Kinesiology Student Association in 2022-23. Additionally, Cruz served as a research assistant in the biomechanics lab under the mentorship of Amanda Rymal, professor of kinesiology; Nicole Dabbs, kinesiology department chair; Zhaojing Chen, associate professor of kinesiology; and April Karlinsky, assistant professor of kinesiology. His research focused on human performance and exercise interventions for older adults.

“The student research assistant program was definitely a privilege and introduction to research modalities that you don’t start to see until graduate programs,” said Cruz.

Cruz presenting his research at a conference
Cruz presenting his research at a conference.

As a research assistant, Cruz worked closely with Rymal, Dabbs and Chen, who each played a pivotal role in his growth.

“These were the three I’ve worked with the closest and all were amazing with how much they will invest in you as a student, and I think that’s an important quality as a mentor,” he said. “I’ve also gotten to know many professors, both full time and adjunct, and all share the same compassion for students aiming to complete their kinesiology degrees.”

Cruz also presented research at several regional and national conferences, serving as first author on published abstracts. Dabbs, who has presented alongside Cruz at conferences, commended his professionalism, dedication and work ethic.

Each year, faculty in CSUSB’s kinesiology department participate in a multi-stage process to nominate one outstanding student for the American Kinesiology Association’s national awards. This year, Cruz stood out as the clear top choice.

“It's been really great to see him grow over the last 4 to 5 years,” said Dabbs. “He's been a role model for other students in the lab. They would go to him as a way to learn new things, and he's able to collaborate with not only faculty, but all the other students that are working in the lab, as well.” Dabbs added that the kinesiology department is incredibly proud of Cruz and excited to see where his talents and drive will take him next.

Cruz credits much of his involvement to the influence of CSUSB kinesiology alumni, who encouraged him to take full advantage of the opportunities on campus.

“I’m typically not the person who goes into all these experiences, especially clubs, but I thought that's something I should give a try. It's out of my comfort zone, but I've learned that you have to be uncomfortable in order to grow.”