Sullivan Selected as Leadership Institute Fellow of American Kinesiology Association

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Amanda Sullivan leads students in her Exercise Prescription class as they practice using free weights with proper form and technique for resistance training.

Amanda Sullivan, assistant department head for the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation in the College of Education and Health Professions, has been selected to the American Kinesiology Association's Class of 2025 Leadership Institute Fellows.

The 2025 class features 19 of the most promising individuals in the field of kinesiology across the country who will embark on a 12-month program, which includes in-person and remote opportunities for mentorship, training and networking designed for department chairs, associate chairs and faculty leaders who want to advance their career towards administrative positions.

Matthew Ganio, associate dean for academic and student affairs in the College of Education and Health Professions, and Michelle Gray, head of the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, served as fellows in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Gray will also be serving as a mentor to the 2025 class.

"I am so honored to be selected as a fellow for the American Kinesiology Association Leadership Institute. It is regarded as the premiere conference for kinesiology administrators to develop leadership skills through a mentorship program," Sullivan said. "In my first year as an assistant department head, I learned quickly that administration is multifaceted and challenging. Having this opportunity to attend seminars, workshops and webinars, as well as one-on-one calls with a senior mentor, will help me continue to grow as a versatile, efficient, successful member of the team."

"I am thankful to Drs. Gray, Ganio and Calleja for supporting my application. I'm joining an outstanding list of fellows that includes Dr. Matt Ganio and Dr. Michelle Gray," she added.

Sullivan received three degrees from the U of A, including a doctorate in kinesiology in 2006. She would go on to teach in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Evansville in Indiana until 2010 before returning to the U of A, where she has received numerous commendations, including the "Outstanding Teaching Award for HHPR" and multiple "New Faculty Commendation for Teaching Commitment" honors.