When crafting my introduction letter for this issue of Access Anderson, there is only one principle I promised myself I would adhere to – to not mention COVID-19, because I have a feeling that, one year in, we are all counting the days of returning to normalcy!
While in this issue you will find stories of the tremendous work our faculty, students and alumni are conducting in these challenging times, I really do think that each story gives a unique perspective of the people associated with the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education.
In particular, our programs – led by the undergraduate degree in Sport Management – continue to grow, Project FLEX enters its third iteration and gains increased media exposure, the Physical Education program finds creative ways to prepare students, faculty continue to establish their national presence and reputation in the field, and an alum makes an impact in the field.
Taken together, these stories paint the picture of a tightly knitted department that prepares students to make a positive impact on people and places.
Finally, during this stretch where students have largely away, we have been hard at work to update our facilities so that everyone has something to look forward to when they return. I look forward to sharing some of these accomplishments with you in an upcoming issue of Access Anderson!
As always, please feel free to reach out to me directly at tgilson@niu.edu or 815-753-9399 and please make plans to join us from 5 to 6 p.m. CT Wednesday, April 14, for the NIU College of Education’s next Whiteboard Wednesday offering, “Reimagining Sports in a Post-COVID World.” This free presentation will feature a panel of Huskie experts.
Todd Gilson
Chair, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education
