Mission Statement

The University of Michigan School of Kinesiology strives to be an international leader in education and research related to physical activity, health and wellness, and sport management.

Core Values

Together, these values will help our school build a culture that is productive, engaging, and which fosters excellence, innovation, and growth.

Collaboration
We value strong relationships and seek to connect and engage with others across our school, university, and beyond.

Creativity
We value curiosity and intellectual growth. We seek to challenge existing knowledge and find innovative and creative solutions to support and advance our mission.

Inclusion
We are committed to creating an environment where people feel a sense of belonging, acceptance, and community. We embrace and celebrate our diverse backgrounds.

Integrity
Our actions are guided and aligned with a commitment to ethics, honesty, accountability, and principled behavior.

Respect
We recognize that words and actions matter. We believe in treating each other with courtesy, empathy, and dignity. We encourage the civil and respectful expression of ideas and opinions.

About Dean John Cairney

A seasoned academic leader with a focus on innovation and strategic planning, Dean John Cairney, PhD, joined the School of Kinesiology on August 1, 2026.

Before coming to the University of Michigan, Dean Cairney served as head of the University of Queensland School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences. He was also co-director of the Health and Well-Being Centre for Research Innovation; director of the Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies; and deputy executive director for the 2032 Office of Games Engagement.

Dean Cairney’s appreciation for the depth and breadth of kinesiology is reflected in his own education; he earned his PhD in sociology and epidemiology from the University of Western Ontario and his executive MBA in sport management from Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid.

"This is a moment of real opportunity for our discipline," Dean Cairney says. "I believe the School of Kinesiology is ready to build on its strong leadership and reach new heights — nationally, internationally, and with purpose."

Leadership Under Dean Cairney

Associate Deans & Directors

• Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs: Kathy Babiak, PhD
• Associate Dean, Graduate Student Affairs: Steven Broglio, PhD, ATC
• Associate Dean, Research: Natalie Colabianchi, PhD
• Associate Dean, Undergraduate Education: Pete Bodary, PhD
• Director, Culture, Equity & Community: Ketra Armstrong, PhD

Program Chairs

• Program Chair, Applied Exercise Science: David Conroy, PhD, FACSM, FSBM
• Program Chair, Athletic Training: Riann Palmieri-Smith, PhD, ATC
• Program Chair, Intraoperative Neurophysiology: Joshua Mergos, MS, CNIM, FASNM
• Program Chair, Movement Science: Sandra Hunter, PhD
• Program Chair, Sport Management: Brian McCullough, PhD

Senior Staff

• Chief Financial & Administrative Officer: Lori Helvey, MBA
• Chief Development Officer: Robin Stock, MBA
• Senior Director, Marketing & Communications: Emily Mathews, MS