Director of the Center for Research on Human Sport Performance and Wellbeing
Apply NowCompany: Kennesaw State University
Location: Kennesaw, GA 30144
Description:
About Us
For more than 60 years, Kennesaw State University has been known for its entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community. A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State is located just north of Atlanta and combines a suburban setting on two metro-Atlanta campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. As one of Georgia's largest universities, Kennesaw State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a growing number of doctoral programs to over 46,000 students. Our high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and across the globe. A member of the University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2) committed to becoming a world-class academic institution positioned to broaden its academic and research missions and expand its scope on a local, regional, and national level.
Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. As part of the University System of Georgia , Kennesaw State exemplifies the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. In addition, Kennesaw State supports the University of Georgia's core values of accountability, excellence, integrity, and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Kennesaw State is launching a new strategic plan in 2024-2025. For more information, visit https://www.kennesaw.edu/ .
Location
Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Department Information
The dynamic, thriving and rapidly growing Wellstar College transforms lives by advancing the health and well-being of individuals and communities through innovative academic programs, interdisciplinary research, and community partnerships. Our emphasis on experiential learning and real-world applications ensures in-demand workforce ready graduates. Collectively, we tackle complex health challenges locally and globally, driving innovation in clinical care, human performance, and societal well-being.
Job Summary
Kennesaw State University is now accepting applications for a full-time, faculty position as a tenured Associate Professor or tenured Professor and Director of the Center for Research on Human Sport Performance and Wellbeing in the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services with a preferred start date of January 2026. Rank is determined at the time of hiring and will be commensurate with experience. This is a 12-month contracted position and is for work to be performed in the State of Georgia.
Responsibilities
The Director for this inaugural position will have a wide variety of responsibilities across the WellStar College of Health and Human Services (WCHHS). The current focus will be on collaboration with the Kennesaw State University Department of Athletics in accordance with the Wellstar Gift for the Center. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Teaching assignments will be based on earned degrees and SACSCOC Faculty Credentials Guidelines.
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Suggested other qualifications you may include (Be specific for the position). Anything listed here can be moved to the Required Qualifications section:
Required Documents to Attach
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Apply Before Date
Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, please apply by August 15, 2025.
Contact Information
For questions about this faculty opening, please contact Laurie L. Tis, Interim Senior Associate Dean for the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, ltis@kennesaw.edu .
For technical support or assistance completing a job application, please contact the Shared Services Center at (877) 251-2644 or support@usg.edu .
For questions about a specific job posting at Kennesaw State University, please contact the search chair listed under the contact information section on each posting. For general questions about faculty jobs please email facultyjobs@kennesaw.edu .
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu .
Background Check
Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.
All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.
https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf
For more than 60 years, Kennesaw State University has been known for its entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community. A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State is located just north of Atlanta and combines a suburban setting on two metro-Atlanta campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. As one of Georgia's largest universities, Kennesaw State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a growing number of doctoral programs to over 46,000 students. Our high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and across the globe. A member of the University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2) committed to becoming a world-class academic institution positioned to broaden its academic and research missions and expand its scope on a local, regional, and national level.
Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. As part of the University System of Georgia , Kennesaw State exemplifies the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. In addition, Kennesaw State supports the University of Georgia's core values of accountability, excellence, integrity, and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Kennesaw State is launching a new strategic plan in 2024-2025. For more information, visit https://www.kennesaw.edu/ .
Location
Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Department Information
The dynamic, thriving and rapidly growing Wellstar College transforms lives by advancing the health and well-being of individuals and communities through innovative academic programs, interdisciplinary research, and community partnerships. Our emphasis on experiential learning and real-world applications ensures in-demand workforce ready graduates. Collectively, we tackle complex health challenges locally and globally, driving innovation in clinical care, human performance, and societal well-being.
Job Summary
Kennesaw State University is now accepting applications for a full-time, faculty position as a tenured Associate Professor or tenured Professor and Director of the Center for Research on Human Sport Performance and Wellbeing in the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services with a preferred start date of January 2026. Rank is determined at the time of hiring and will be commensurate with experience. This is a 12-month contracted position and is for work to be performed in the State of Georgia.
Responsibilities
The Director for this inaugural position will have a wide variety of responsibilities across the WellStar College of Health and Human Services (WCHHS). The current focus will be on collaboration with the Kennesaw State University Department of Athletics in accordance with the Wellstar Gift for the Center. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Promote the vision and mission of the University, College, and the Center for Research on Human Sport Performance and Wellbeing (SPW)
- Develop the mission, vision and strategic direction for the SPW
- Develop a collaborative relationship with our key partners: KSU Department of Athletics and Wellstar Health System
- Enhance the research environment and grow the portfolio of external funding
- Direct the activities of SPW, including strategic planning, personnel management, budget management, community relations, and fund development.
- Supervise undergraduate and graduate research affiliated with the SPW
- Coordinate education and outreach experiences across or in collaboration with academic programs across the university.
- Create, support, and advise an Advisory Board for the SPW
- Represent the SPW to external constituents
- Develop, review, and revise SPW policies and procedures as indicated.
- Demonstrate high-level interpersonal skills for communication, consultation, and collaboration
Teaching assignments will be based on earned degrees and SACSCOC Faculty Credentials Guidelines.
Required Qualifications
- A terminal degree, or foreign equivalent, in Exercise Science/Physiology, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Athletic Training, Sports Medicine or related degree is required.
- An academic background to be a tenured Associate Professor or tenured Full Professor in the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services. The academic home department will be determined upon hire.
- Administrative leadership experience in Sports Performance or Athlete Wellbeing
- Evidence of successful engagement with external partners to facilitate the mission of the SPW
- Evidence of successful, dynamic, innovative leadership in the areas of sport performance and athlete wellbeing
- Effective problem solver
- Evidence of collaboration across disciplines and with athletes at all competitive levels
Preferred Qualifications
Suggested other qualifications you may include (Be specific for the position). Anything listed here can be moved to the Required Qualifications section:
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA), or Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainer, or Registered Dietician
- A history of established partnerships in the collegiate, professional, and elite athletics community
- Experience with fundraising and grantsmanship with a focus on elite sports performance
- Experience in the development and implementation of large-scope projects working with competitive athletes
- Experience in leadership in athlete performance development
Required Documents to Attach
- CV
- Letter of Intent describing qualifications for the position, experience, and leadership philosophy
- Unofficial Transcripts (Official Transcripts and Official International Course-by-Course Evaluations Due Upon Hire)
- Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 references
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Apply Before Date
Review of applications will begin immediately. For full consideration, please apply by August 15, 2025.
Contact Information
For questions about this faculty opening, please contact Laurie L. Tis, Interim Senior Associate Dean for the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, ltis@kennesaw.edu .
For technical support or assistance completing a job application, please contact the Shared Services Center at (877) 251-2644 or support@usg.edu .
For questions about a specific job posting at Kennesaw State University, please contact the search chair listed under the contact information section on each posting. For general questions about faculty jobs please email facultyjobs@kennesaw.edu .
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu .
Background Check
Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.
All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.
https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf