CEHD is pleased to announce that Alex Garn has accepted the position of director of its School of Kinesiology. Garn comes to CEHD from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, where he has served as interim director of its school of kinesiology since last year. He has been at LSU since 2007, holding the Karen Wax Schmitt and Family Endowed Professorship, leading the division of behavioral science, and serving in numerous leadership roles.
“Alex brings a tremendous commitment to supporting faculty, staff, and students to reach their personal and professional goals, and a commitment to translational science,” says CEHD Dean Michael C. Rodriguez. “He knows the incredible success and potential of the school and has plans to further enhance the research and engaged scholarship goals across disciplines. He brings an outstanding record of fundraising and strategic investments in faculty and infrastructure. He leads by empowering others, and as a Fellow in the American Kinesiology Association Leadership Institute, continues to deepen his leadership knowledge and skills. His record of supporting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion is supported by his strategic investments and outcomes in student recruitment, funding, curriculum development, and operations.”
Garn holds a BA in physical education from the University of Northern Iowa, an MS in kinesiology from the University of Wyoming, and a PhD in human performance from Indiana University. He serves on the editorial boards of the International Journal of Physical Activity and Health, the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, and is the psychology section editor for Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science. He also was on the board of the Journal of Advanced Academics for several years.
Prior to his career in academia, Garn served as a physical education teacher, coach, and supervisor for Cedar Rapids Community Schools in Iowa and at St. Laurence Elementary School in Laramie, Wyoming. These experiences greatly informed his research path. His current focus investigates motivational and emotional determinants of physical activity, motor skill performance, learning, and psychological well-being. He has a strong interest in exploring effective ways to increase health behaviors across the lifespan. A secondary avenue of his research is the use of schools as a point of intervention for children’s health and well-being.
“I am so excited to join one of the best Kinesiology programs in the country,” Garn says. “I can’t wait to work closely with the outstanding School of Kinesiology faculty and staff to find innovative ways to promote cutting edge research, student success, and community impact. I am thankful for this opportunity and will work tirelessly to advance the school’s mission and core values.”