Dear Kinesiology Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community,

As has been previously announced, I have been asked to fill the role of interim chair for the Department of Kinesiology. Dr. Matthew Masucci has been asked to serve as the interim Associate Dean for the College of Health and Human Sciences. His outstanding leadership of our department has been recognized, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to lead our College. We have benefited tremendously from his leadership and will miss him, however, I think we also understand his desire to serve the college at this time.

These shifts in responsibilities have resulted in Dr. Jessica Chin filling in as interim undergraduate coordinator. She will continue to serve as the Advising Manager. Dr. Chin has a great deal of knowledge and experience in our undergraduate program and I know that she will bring her strengths to this position. As a result she will step away from her position as associate chair. To limit further disruptions we will not fill the associate chair position this semester.

While we do not have someone formally filling in as associate chair, several individuals have stepped forward to offer their help and support to cover these duties. I greatly appreciate the students, faculty, and staff who have come by to say that they will help in any capacity that they can. This is who we are as the Department of Kinesiology; supporting each other to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

I am greatly appreciative of all of our students, faculty and staff. I am committed to working hard and helping our department to continue to flourish. Ultimately we are here to educate and prepare our students, and I am dedicated to help us all do that the best that we can.

Dr. Tamar Semerjian