McKenzie, R. Tait (Robert Tait), 1867-1938

R. Tait McKenzie, physician, physical therapist, physical educator, and sculptor served the University of Pennsylvania as its first Professor of Physical Education, 1904-1929.

Born in 1867, McKenzie spent his youth in Almonte, Ontario, Canada. He entered McGill University at the age of eighteen earning both his undergraduate degree and his M.D. degree (1892). His childhood friend, James Naismith, encouraged McKenzie to pursue interests in physical training, and McKenzie assisted Naismith at McGill in the teaching of gymnastics. McKenzie left McGill to begin his career at the University of Pennsylvania.

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