The Department of Kinesiology and Health Science (KHS) at Utah State University invites nominations and applications for the position of Department Head. We seek a transparent, proactive, and visionary leader whose record demonstrates distinction in research, teaching, and mentorship. The selected person will be expected to help the department increase its national and international reputation by promoting cutting-edge research initiatives, sustaining rigorous academic instruction, and engaging in meaningful service to the community and the state of Utah. 

This is a fiscal year administrative appointment with a start date of July 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to the search committee co-chairs, Dr. Brennan Thompson (435-797-5785; brennan.thompson@usu.edu) or Dr. Scott Bates (435-797-2975; scott.bates@usu.edu).

• Leadership: In collaboration with departmental faculty and staff, continue developing and shaping a shared vision and strategic plan that aligns with college and university priorities; foster and support initiatives that strengthen research, education, and outreach; demonstrate a strong personal commitment to scholarly excellence and model collaborative leadership that advances the department’s mission in research, teaching, and service.
• Personnel management: Provide oversight of all departmental personnel. This includes communicating clear expectations of job duties and performance; coordinating the hiring of faculty and staff; and maximizing faculty, staff, and student professional growth and potential.
• Fiscal management: Engage in responsible budget management and oversee the development of strategic approaches for departmental budgeting, including areas that may result in budget growth.
• Enrollment management: Develop and employ strategies to thoughtfully grow undergraduate and graduate enrollments in a way that meets the needs of students and addresses needs in the state of Utah.
• Research and scholarship: Maintain an active program of research that enhances the department’s scientific contributions and reputation

Minimum Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in one of the disciplines represented (kinesiology, recreation, sports management, public/community health, health science) in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science or a closely related field.
• A record of distinguished research, teaching, and other professional accomplishments that are commensurate with an appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure in KHS at Utah State University.
• Evidence of successful academic leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as a department head/chair, associate department head, or undergraduate/graduate program chair.
• Experience developing and managing budgets.
• Record of submitting and obtaining extramural research grants.
• Experience evaluating candidates for the tenure and promotion process and managing the tenure/promotion process.
• Experience with program assessment or accreditation/reaccreditation.
• Experience with advancement/development and alumni relations.
• Demonstrated multidisciplinary experience and understanding, including the ability to engage with and appreciate the distinct perspectives, research approaches, and technical requirements across multiple subdisciplines within kinesiology and health science.
• Evidence of teaching success and pedagogical innovation, with experience in experiential and online instruction, and demonstrated commitment to student mentorship and academic development.
• National-level academic leadership and service within an area of kinesiology or health science.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Curriculum vita to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover letter to be uploaded under "Other Documents 1-10"
3. Statement of leadership philosophy and vision for the department to be uploaded under "Other Documents 1-10"
4. Contact information for three professional references to be entered in the Candidate Profile

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

The Department provides a multidisciplinary, reputable, accredited program of education and training in Kinesiology and Health Science. Our campus-based and off-campus graduate programs offer degrees in MS, MSM, MED, MPH, and PhD (with the PhD administered outside the department) to students who teach, provide community leadership, work in industry, and conduct research. More than 1,500 undergraduate and over 150 graduate students are currently matriculated in our programs. The Department offers an extensive program of elective activity courses, serving approximately 5,000 Utah State University students per semester.

Under the direction of nationally recognized faculty, students in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science engage in innovative research and immersive internships across a wide range of disciplines. The deparment actively cultivates partnerships within the community to enrich student learning and elevate the quality of internship experiences. Faculty and students conduct pioneering research in eight state-of-the-art laboratories, each dedicted to advancing knowledge if how human movement, physical activity, and motor behavior influence health and performance. These include the Biomechanics Lab, Exercise Physiology Lab, Neuromechanics Lab, Neuromuscular Lab, Perception-Action Lab, Sensory Motor Behavior Lab, Kids in Motion Lab, and two Sport Psychology Labs. These facilities offer students exceptional opportunities to explore the science of human health and performance, contribute to meaningful discoveries, and prepare for impactful careers in the field.

As part of a land grant institution, we deliver our programs to students on campuses across the state of Utah through interactive broadcast, hybrid, and online delivery. We value our partnerships with local, state, national, and international leaders, and we welcome the numerous ongoing opportunities to collaborate on common goals. Drawing on an extensive knowledge base in both theoretical and practice-oriented research, we nurture a vision of providing effective and equitable educational experiences for all our students.

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is committed to academic excellence in research, teaching, and service activities across a wide array of education and human service fields. The college is home to eight academic departments with over 200 faculty who are engaged in innovative research and high-level graduate and undergraduate education. The college is consistently ranked by US News and World Reports as one of the top Graduate College’s of Education in the country, ranking 26th among public institutions of higher education in 2025 and 1st in the state of Utah for the past 25 years. The college’s programs and outreach missions are strengthened by an on-campus elementary laboratory school and a number of stand-alone centers, including the Sorenson Legacy Foundation Center for Clinical Excellence. Faculty, students, and staff within the college also engage with a broad range of community partners to provide opportunities for community-engaged research projects and learning, which enhances the overall quality of education and human service programs throughout the state of Utah.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025