Dr. Michael Ernst
President
Dr. Michael Ernst
Michael Ernst was elected to the Board in November 2005. He completed his undergraduate education at El Camino College and California State University, Dominguez Hills with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education: Teaching. Subsequently, he earned his master's degree in Health and Physical Education at the University of Wyoming and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Arizona State University. Dr. Ernst grew up in Torrance and attended Torrance Unified schools from kindergarten through high school. He is currently a professor and Chair of the Division of Kinesiology and Recreation at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He is also the Chair of the Cal State Dominguez Hills University Budget Committee. Dr. Ernst has served nationally as the Chair of the Council of Physical Education for Children, an Executive Council of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. As a researcher, Dr. Ernst is nationally known for his work with children and physical activity. He has made more than 50 presentations and published 20 articles on the topic. In his role as professor at Cal State Dominguez Hills, Dr. Ernst established positive working relationships with teachers, staff and administrators in the TUSD where he provided workshops and in-service training to teachers throughout the district. He worked to secure a grant (SPARK) that improved elementary physical education and presents annually at the Early Childhood Education Workshop. He also regularly volunteers to teach in his children's classes, usually teaching children health-enhancing physical activity. Dr. Ernst is actively involved in the Torrance community as well. He has coached his children's youth sports teams and regularly participates in community service projects with his church. Dr. Ernst and his wife (Kristina) have three children (Lauren, Jacob, and Lukas), two who attend TUSD schools and one who is not yet school age.
