Timothy A. Brusseau Jr., Ph.D., has been named chair of University of Utah’s Department of Health & Kinesiology in the College of Health, effective July 1, 2021. Brusseau will oversee all research, education, service, and community programs in the department. He currently serves as interim chair of the department.

“With academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral level, a growing research profile, physical activity programs benefiting students from across the U, and a number of community programs, Health & Kinesiology is one of the university’s largest and most complex departments” explains David Perrin, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Health. “Dr. Brusseau’s experience as program director and interim chair, leadership in the American Academy of Kinesiology, and reputation as an international scholar of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs perfectly positions him to lead the department to new levels of excellence.”

Brusseau joined the University of Utah in 2012 as an assistant professor for the Department of Exercise and Sport Science (now Health & Kinesiology). He is also an adjunct associate professor for the Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology. His primary research interests include the design and implementation of physical activity and health programs in school and community settings, as well as the measurement and surveillance of physical activity and physical fitness in youth. He has published 148 peer-reviewed research articles, three books, and numerous book chapters. He is a fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine, the International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education, and the Society for Health and Physical Educators of America.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the inaugural chair of the Department of Health & Kinesiology,” Brusseau said. “The department has truly outstanding educators and scholars. I look forward to working with the faculty and staff in the department to continue the great work they do to enhance health, quality of life, and human performance.”

Brusseau earned his Master of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Ithaca College before earning his Ph.D. in Physical Education Pedagogy from Arizona State University. He holds certifications through the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education, the American Kinesiology Association, and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

Brusseau has delivered more than 180 local, regional, national, and international lectures and presentations. In addition to presenting extensively across North America, his research has been presented at conferences in Australia, China, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Hungary, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Brusseau is the inaugural chair of the Department of Health & Kinesiology and will be responsible for leading the department in recruiting, retaining, and developing the highest quality faculty and supporting them in their community, education, and research endeavors. He will lead efforts to provide top-tier learning experience for nearly 1,200 baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral students, as well as a robust and diverse research program. He will continue to pursue his own research projects as an internationally recognized expert in Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs.