Todd Gilson, director of the Honors Program and an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, has been named acting associate dean for Research, Resources and Innovation for the College of Education.
He replaces Bill Pitney, who was recently named acting vice provost for Faculty Affairs.
Gilson will begin his transition into this new role on Monday, April 1, and will hold the position through Dec. 31.
Dean Laurie Elish-Piper is excited to welcome Gilson back to the college.
“Todd’s recent experiences as director of the Honors Program as well as his foundational knowledge of the college and his proven ability to work across colleges, departments, and programs position him well for this acting role. I’m looking forward to discussing his ideas to move our research, resources (personnel, finances, facilities) and innovation operations forward.”
As the director of the University Honors Program, Gilson worked to develop and facilitate a unique college experience for students that fostered both the sense of a tight-knit community while providing benefits afforded by a large-scale research university. He directed student research that led to national presentations and peer-reviewed publications while also sharing his sport psychology and sport sociology knowledge with students through seminar classes.
Gilson also has overseen the creation of agreements that benefit Honors students by providing direct and guaranteed admission into some NIU graduate programs; those include the M.S.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education, the M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, the M.S. in Educational Research and Evaluation, the M.S.Ed. in Kinesiology and Physical Education, the M.S.Ed. in Special Education and the M.S. in Sport Management.
His current research focuses on the link between key psychological constructs that help distinguish highly successful leaders and performers from less-successful ones. He has worked with dozens of NCAA athletic institutions and U.S. Army ROTC programs around the country. The lessons acquired about confidence, resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges will be instrumental in this new role.
Successful people already are working throughout Anderson, Gabel and Graham halls, Gilson says.
“It is always wonderful to go back home again, and in the College of Education, I am looking forward to working with such an accomplished group of faculty and staff. I want to thank Dean Elish-Piper and the search committee for this opportunity to serve my colleagues.”
Gilson earned his doctorate in kinesiology from Michigan State University; a master’s degree in human performance from Oregon State University; and a bachelor’s degree in sport management from Ohio Northern University.
