Mission, Values, & Leadership

 

Mission Statement

The University of Michigan School of Kinesiology strives to be an international leader in education and research related to physical activity, health and wellness, and sport management.

 

Core Values

Together, these values will help our school build a culture that is productive, engaging, and which fosters excellence, innovation, and growth.

Collaboration
We value strong relationships and seek to connect and engage with others across our school, university, and beyond.

Creativity
We value curiosity and intellectual growth. We seek to challenge existing knowledge and find innovative and creative solutions to support and advance our mission.

Inclusion
We are committed to creating an environment where people feel a sense of belonging, acceptance, and community. We embrace and celebrate our diverse backgrounds.

Integrity
Our actions are guided and aligned with a commitment to ethics, honesty, accountability, and principled behavior.

Respect
We recognize that words and actions matter. We believe in treating each other with courtesy, empathy, and dignity. We encourage the civil and respectful expression of ideas and opinions.

 

About Dean Ploutz-Snyder

Dean Lori Ploutz-Snyder, PhDAn accomplished leader with extensive experience in higher education, government, and space research organizations, Dean Lori Ploutz-Snyder's proven ability to adapt and excel in diverse settings is demonstrated by successful leadership at higher education institutions, NASA, and university consortiums.

With documented success in pioneering research, developing strategic plans, outstanding hiring decisions, and securing significant funding, she is committed to teaching, mentoring, and service, with a focus on enhancing opportunities for all.

Dean Ploutz-Snyder has guided the School of Kinesiology through a period of strategic growth -- enhancing academic excellence, student success, operational efficiency, administrative infrastructure, and cost-effectiveness.

During her tenure as dean, the School of Kinesiology has:

  • had a transformative $120M building renovation;
  • doubled the operating budget from $16M to $34M;
  • increased the number of incoming fall students from 300 to 400 annually;
  • expanded the faculty from 49 to 78 members;
  • developed five new graduate and undergraduate degree programs; and
  • significantly increased fundraising, growing the endowment from $13M to $31M.

Dean Ploutz-Snyder earned her PhD at Ohio University and was a postdoctoral fellow at Michigan State University, where Dr. Ronald Meyer served as her advisor.

 

Leadership Under Dean Ploutz-Snyder

Associate Deans

Program Chairs

Senior Staff

 

Organizational Chart