University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Applied Health Sciences Announces Department Name Change to Health and Kinesiology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

College of Applied Health Sciences

Contact:

Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Assistant Director of Communications

College of Applied Health Sciences

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Phone: 412-779-9876

Email: [email protected]

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Applied Health Sciences Announces Department Name Change to Health and Kinesiology

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill.— The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to advancing health sciences education and research. Effective Aug. 16, the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health will officially change its name to the Department of Health and Kinesiology.

The new name better reflects significant changes in our disciplines, research interests, and educational mission. Health and Kinesiology allows for a broader, more inclusive representation of a department that focuses on multiple aspects of health and physical activity in a diverse society. It also honors our legacy as leaders in the field of health and kinesiology, while pointing the way forward to a future that is both dynamic and innovative. 

The name change was a decision that was made based on goals highlighted in the KCH Strategic Plan and upon the recommendation of the KCH Restructuring Task Force. It was supported by multiple stakeholders and was recently approved by the College of Applied Health Sciences, UIUC Senate, and Board of Trustees.

Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences, expressed enthusiasm about the department’s name change, saying, “The renaming of our department to Health and Kinesiology aligns with our strategic vision of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing the multifaceted aspects of health and wellness. This change reflects our commitment to providing innovative education, conducting impactful research, and serving our communities.”

HK Department Head Kim Graber said, “As the department evolves to better reflect the dynamic landscape of health and movement sciences, we believe the change to Health and Kinesiology not only embraces our commitment to comprehensive wellness but also underscores our dedication to advancing research, education and outreach in these vital areas.”

The Department of Health and Kinesiology offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs aimed at preparing students for careers in health promotion, exercise science, public health, rehabilitation, and related fields. With world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the department equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in diverse healthcare settings.

For more information about the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Applied Health Sciences, please visit https://ahs.illinois.edu/kch-home.

About the College of Applied Health Sciences:

The mission of AHS is to promote culturally relevant individual and community health and well-being across the lifespan, facilitate optimal living with disability, and foster the development of livable communities in a diverse society through learning, discovery, and engagement.

Media Contact:

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact Vince Lara-Cinisomo, assistant director of communications, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, at [email protected].

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