Kinesiology

Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Kinesiology!

As a long-serving faculty member, proud alumnus, and former Lancer student-athlete, it is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to what is affectionately known as the HK Family! Our mission in the Department of Kinesiology is to advance the multi-disciplinary study of kinesiology through the integration of innovative research, teaching and learning practices, and by fostering collaborative community partnerships to enhance human performance and quality of life.

Housed within the Faculty of Human Kinetics, the Department of Kinesiology offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees under the tutelage of award-winning professors. As evidence of our academic excellence, our Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree in Kinesiology - Movement Science, identified by MacLean’s Magazine as a standout program at the University of Windsor, has one of the best student satisfaction ratings on campus according to the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), and is accredited through the Canadian Council of Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators (CCUPEKA). At the graduate level, our Master’s degree in Sport Management and Leadership has been consistently ranked #1 in Canada and among the top 15 in the world by SportBusiness, a leading industry trade publication. 

Led by some of Canada’s most gifted scholars, cutting-edge Kinesiology research is facilitated through a number of research centres and laboratories, and is supported by funding from all three major Canadian granting agencies (i.e., NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR), along with several foundations and industry partners. Collectively, our research advances knowledge that enhances health, well-being, and overall quality of life, and promotes meaningful change in the areas of community, health, industry, policy, society/culture, and sport/recreation on local, national, and international scales. Whether it be for course credit in the form of a thesis or individual study, as a member of the Outstanding Scholars program, or as a paid research assistant in a lab or the Centre for Human Performance and Health (CHPH), the opportunities for students to get involved in research are plentiful. 

I get asked all the time, “what makes the Department of Kinesiology such a special place to study and work?” My answer always comes down to our PEOPLE. It was the caring and passionate faculty and staff who first recruited me here as a graduate student more than 20 years ago, and it is our people who provide the foundation for everything that we achieve today. Our decisions are guided by a deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence in everything that we do. As the Head of Kinesiology I am honoured to  work alongside some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated people our field has to offer.

Please take some time to explore other pages on the Kinesiology website to learn more about our academic programs, research activities, student groups (such as the HK SocietyKGSA, and KinOne), work-integrated and experiential learning opportunities (such as co-op and internships, as well as the Ignite and student exchange programs), and other ways that students, alumni, and community members can get involved with the Department of Kinesiology. You’ll be happy you did! Beyond the website, our people are always available to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have along the way. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

I wish you the best over the coming academic year and look forward to meeting many of you in the coming weeks and months. In particular, I look forward to (re-)connecting with our proud and accomplished alumni who are leaders in their respective fields. Until then, please stay safe and be well!

 
Jess Dixon, Ph.D.
Head, Department of Kinesiology