April 6, 2022

Dr. Nick Holt appointed dean, Faculty of Kinesiology

A message from the provost and vice-president (academic)
Nick Holt

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Nick Holt has been appointed dean, Faculty of Kinesiology for a renewable term of five years, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

Currently, Dr. Holt is a full professor and the interim dean, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta. He previously held the role of vice-dean and associate dean research. He joined the University of Alberta as an assistant professor in 2004 from Brock University. He holds a doctorate in physical education (sport psychology) from the University of Alberta (2002), a Master of Science in exercise and sport psychology from Exeter University, and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in geography with physical education and sports science from Loughborough University.

Dr. Holt is an award-winning academic, academic leader, athlete, coach, and leading scholar in youth sport and physical activity. He has published over 200 journal articles and book chapters, and has a strong track record of funding, including grants from CIHR and SSHRC. In recognition of his scholarship, he was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada, College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists in 2017.

Nick is committed to being a champion for equity, diversity, and inclusion and in addition to ensuring the Faculty of Kinesiology is home to a more diverse and representative group of students, staff, and faculty he wants to ensure there are inclusive ‘spaces’ and opportunities that enable people to thrive. He is committed to ensuring work continues to further our journey to reconciliation and is a passionate advocate for mental health and well-being along with equity in sport.

A robust search was conducted to find the best possible candidate to serve as the next dean for the Faculty of Kinesiology. I would like to extend my appreciation to the members of the advisory selection committee that I chaired for the time they dedicated to this important search since the search launched this past October. They are: Penny Pexman (vice-president research representative), Tish Doyle-Baker (tenured academic staff representative), Carolyn Emery (tenured academic staff representative), Reed Ferber (tenured academic staff representative), Meghan McDonough (tenured academic staff representative), Dianne Gereluk (decanal representative), Justine Wheeler (faculty association representative), Peter McCrory (MaPS representative), Alix Westgard (AUPE representative), Areeb Qayyum (SU representative), Julia Daun (GSA representative), Michael Kallos (GFC representative), Ebba Kurz (GFC representative), and Ian Minnifee (community representative).

I would also like to thank Dr. Penny Werthner for her leadership of the Faculty of Kinesiology since she commenced her time as dean on Nov. 1, 2012. Dr. Werthner has agreed to extend her second term as dean for the remainder of the 2022 calendar year to ensure a smooth transition to Dr. Holt. Under her leadership, the Faculty of Kinesiology has hit significant milestones including being ranked the number one sport science school in North America three times in a row (Shanghai Ranking), introducing a new curriculum, and establishing a new UCalgary record this past year with 259 Dinos student-athletes achieving Academic All-Canadian status. In addition to her work as dean, Penny continues to be recognized as a world-class sport psychologist and her impact can be seen in many places, including the most recent Olympics. I look forward to celebrating Penny’s achievements before she commences her administrative leave on Jan. 1, 2023.

Please join me in congratulating Nick on his new role and welcoming our newest Dino to the University of Calgary. 

Teri Balser
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)