NAKHE Newsletter
April 2026
Dear NAKHE Colleagues –
This is typically right around the time that many of us are able to enjoy a few days to ourselves during Spring Break. Whether yours is upcoming or has already occurred, I hope you’ve had the opportunity to find some time to relax, recharge, and reset for the home stretch of the Spring semester.
As always, things are moving with NAKHE. Applications are open for a number of opportunities within our organization. Please consider applying for the Engaged Scholar Program, the Hellison Interdisciplinary Research Grant, and/or the Leadership Mentor Program (Deadline for each is April 15). Each of these initiatives provides support to help build your scholarship portfolio, collaborate with new colleagues to advance the discipline, and engage in meaningful professional learning opportunities. They’re part of the reason that NAKHE is where scholars come to lead.
Speaking of leading, more information is now available for our annual Leadership Development Workshop (LDW). This year we will be hosted by UNC-Wilmington on Carolina Beach, NC from July 5–7. I’m especially excited because this year’s theme will be “Leadership the Ted Lasso Way.” As a big fan of the show, I’m looking forward to the meaningful leadership lessons and conversations that will come from this theme. Additionally, if you’re interested in our Department Head Certification Training, the next cohort will begin in conjunction with the LDW. Be sure to check our website for more information about these programs and how to get involved.
Finally, as you know, as Vice-President I’m most closely involved with the planning of our upcoming NAKHE Conference in Santa Fe. The planning committee has been hard at work, and we’re excited about the conference that is taking shape. If you’re a super planner, registration is already open, and even more importantly, be on the lookout for the Call for Proposals, which will go live on April 1. Whether you are contemplating your first NAKHE conference or are a conference veteran, we would love to have you join us in the high desert of New Mexico this January. NAKHE continues to be a place where scholars come to lead, and I look forward to seeing many of you in Santa Fe as we continue that work together.
The NAKHE Leadership Institute fosters, promotes, and sustains mentoring and networking opportunities for professionals in higher education. We are committed to creating developmental leader training and professional growth opportunities for our members at every level. In addition to the programs listed below, NAKHE also offers pre-convention administrator workshops and pre-convention specialized trainings. So whether you are a seasoned professional researcher, a new or senior administrator, or assistant professor seeking tenure and promotion, we have a program for you!
Awards
NAKHE recognizes outstanding professional service, leadership, teaching and scholarship by selecting and honoring administrators, scholars, teachers, mentors and students to show its devotion to promoting leadership through mentoring and networking among kinesiology administrators, faculty, and students.
- Distinguished Administrator, Scholar, Service, and Teaching Awards
- Hally Beth Poindexter Young Scholar Award
- Joanna Davenport Graduate Student Poster Award
- NAKHE Fellows
Summer Leadership Development Workshop
This NAKHE workshop brings kinesiology leaders together to brainstorm solutions to some of the complex problems facing higher education.
Department Head Certification Training
The program is designed to give interested or new department heads an opportunity to acquire the skills used in as a department administrator.
NAKHE’s Leadership Mentor Program pairs aspiring administrators with experienced kinesiology chairs, deans or higher-level administrators for a one-week (five-day) “shadow” experience to build future leaders through hands-on mentoring and real-world scenarios. The program also builds networking and social communication between university kinesiology departments from different locations inside and outside of the United States. The desired outcome is an increased level of awareness and understanding of the position and the job requirements of a kinesiology administrator on the part of the mentee.
NAKHE extends mentoring efforts into the area of scholarship with the Engaged Scholars Program (ESP). This program establishes mentoring and networking opportunities in the area of scholarship for tenured associate professors with the intention of supporting their career moves through the promotion process at their own institutions.
Hellison Interdisciplinary Research Grant
NAKHE funds collaborative interdisciplinary research with the intent of connecting kinesiology researchers and researchers from disparate areas together in meaningful applied research. Individual grants are funded up to $5000 each.
Hosted by Lindsey Nanney
University of North Carolina Wilmington
About the DHCT
The Department Head Certification Training (DHCT) is a highly structured certification program for emerging leaders in kinesiology who aspire to be department chairs or administrators of Kinesiology and related programs at their college or university. The intent is to brand emerging leaders and administrators with NAKHE’s imprimatur in leadership. Enrollment in the DHCT is by application and acceptance only. (Please note that these dates are subject to change.)
About the LDW
The intent of the NAKHE Leadership Development Workshop (LDW) is to bring kinesiology leaders together to brainstorm solutions to complex problems facing higher education. The LDW is part of NAKHE’s Leadership Institute, which fosters, promotes, and sustains mentoring and networking opportunities for higher education professionals.
About Wilmington
Wilmington is a port city in North Carolina. It’s known as a gateway to Cape Fear Coast beaches like Wrightsville, with its strong surf, and Carolina, with its long boardwalk. Part of downtown’s Historic District, the Riverwalk is lined with restaurants, galleries and shops. It runs along the Cape Fear River, where the Battleship North Carolina is moored. Artifacts on the ship explore WWII naval combat history.
About Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is located on Pleasure Island, about 12 miles south of Wilmington International Airport. The beach town is part of the Wilmington metropolitan area. It's a charming, family-friendly coastal town known for its retro, vintage vibe, bustling boardwalk, and scenic Atlantic beaches. It features one of the last remaining boardwalks on the East Coast, complete with amusement rides, arcades, and iconic, long-standing, local eateries. The town is popular for its laid-back atmosphere, fishing, surfing, and proximity to nature, including the 761-acre Carolina Beach State Park and its unique, native Venus flytraps.
Click the picture for travel details.
January 5 - 8, 2027
2027 Annual NAKHE Conference
Blazing New Trails: Exploring Innovative Frontiers Through Bold Perspectives
January 5-8, 2027
Eldorado Hotel and Spa
309 W San Francisco St.
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
Phone: (505) 988-4455
Hotel Website: https://www.eldoradohotel.com/
Conference Planner: Jeremy Elliott
Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico and the oldest U.S. state capital, is renowned for its distinctive Pueblo-style adobe architecture, rich Indigenous and Spanish heritage, and status as a major hub for Southwest art. Known as "The City Different," it features over 250 art galleries on Canyon Road, the Meow Wolf immersive art experience, and New Mexican green chile cuisine.
The historic Santa Fe Plaza, lined with adobe Talavera pottery shops, art galleries, Mexican restaurants, and the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (the oldest church in the United States), attracts roughly 1.5 million tourists each year. The heart of the city for nearly 400 years, the plaza is the perfect place to explore one of the state’s most remarkable cities.
Trip Adviser says, “Surrounded by city landmarks, including art and history museums, the Santa Fe Plaza is the heart and soul of the capital city. Sit back on one of the square’s benches to people-watch and take in the small-town feel. Then, set out to explore the countless art galleries, shops, and flea markets in the area. Try the local street food from the food carts, or if you’re in the mood to splurge, check out the dozen or so high-end restaurants. You can also sign up for a walking tour to learn more about the city’s rich history.”
Our conference hotel, the Eldorado Hotel and Spa, is ideally situated to make the most of Santa Fe’s attractions. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the largest collection of one of the 20th century's most influential artists, whose greatest work was inspired by New Mexico, is literally across the street from the conference hotel, and the Santa Fe Plaza is less than 4 blocks away (0.2 miles).
Click the picture to register!
Dear valued NAKHE members:
The NAKHE Marketing Committee would like to extend our efforts to highlight the work of our membership, and in particular, the research that you all conduct. As such, we are working on creating a monthly NAKHE Podcast where we can explore more in-depth interviews with those who have recent publications in any of our NAKHE Journals.
If you and/or your research colleague(s) would like to be a featured guest on the podcast, please reach out to Lisa Paulson at pauls640@d.umn.edu. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom and/or during this year’s LDW (for those who are planning to attend).
Furthermore, if you are a NAKHE member that has experience in podcasting and would be willing to assist the Marketing Committee with podcast creation/editing, please contact Marketing Committee Chair Haley Blount at blounth@nsula.edu. There may be a possible stipend awarded to the interested podcast editor.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please consider submitting an article to #NAKHE ‘s Journals-
IJKHE - https://www.nakhe.org/submit-to-the-journal.html
An Assessment Framework for the Character-Based Games Pedagogy (CBGP) Model
Dudley, D. A. (2025). An Assessment Framework for the Character-Based Games Pedagogy (CBGP) Model. Quest, 0(0), 1–12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2025.2574426
Active Learning in Adapted Physical Activity Courses. Faculty’s Perspectives from Brazil and the United States
Furtado, O. L. P. da C., Haegele, J. A., & Gaspar, R. C. (2025). Active Learning in Adapted Physical Activity Courses. Faculty’s Perspectives from Brazil and the United States. Quest, 0(0), 1–20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2025.2554643
Flipping with Podcasts: Student Perceptions of a Flipped Classroom Model in Kinesiology
Suire, K., Hastert, M., Davis, J., & Fulcher, A. (2026). Flipping with Podcasts: Student Perceptions of a Flipped Classroom Model in Kinesiology. International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education, 0(0), 1–12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24711616.2026.2614089
Rethinking Group Processing as Part of Cooperative Learning Pedagogies in Physical Education Practice
Bjørke, L., & Dyson, B. P. (2026). Rethinking Group Processing as Part of Cooperative Learning Pedagogies in Physical Education Practice. Quest, 0(0), 1–17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2026.2625062
Department Chair of Kinesiology and Health - Iowa State University
State: Ames, IA
Position: Department Chair Of Kinesiology And Health
Deadline: May 6, 2026
Looking for a new opportunity?
Check out NAKHE's website to check new opportunities in Higher Education!
Lecturer, Wellness and Physical Activity - University of North Carolina Wilmington
State: Wilmington, NC
Position: Lecturer, Wellness and Physical Activity
Deadline: March 18, 2026
Dean, College of Health Sciences - University of Michigan-Flint
State: Flint, MI
Position: Dean, College of Health Sciences
Deadline: June 10, 2026
Assistant/Associate Professor, Teaching (non-tenure track) - Wayne State University
State: University Center , MI
Position: Assistant/Associate Professor, Teaching (non-tenure track)
Deadline: June 10, 2026
NAKHE Member Highlight Form 🤩
The NAKHE Marketing Committee would like to highlight our members in our social media and newsletter! Please fill out the information form by clicking here to be considered as our next featured member. If you have any questions, please contact Haley Blount (the committee chair) at blounth@nsula.edu.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
NAKHE Marketing Committee
