Message from the Chair

Todd Gilson
Todd Gilson

In the role of department chair, “closing the loop” is one of the most important things I can do to support faculty, staff and students. Many times, I inquire on behalf of individuals as to the status of an initiative or to solve a complex problem. After doing so, I always am sure to follow up with answers for those individuals, knowing it can reaffirm to them the value of their work.

As such, let me practice that skill.

In the last issue of Access Anderson, I spoke about classroom updates that were taking place and I am excited to report that we have devoted resources to completely overhaul Anderson Hall 245 and 246. We have repainted the walls, installed fresh carpet, upgraded the technology and added new tablet chairs or power-enabled desks in each of these classrooms! (You can also now take a virtual tour of these spaces.) In the current year, we are hoping to complete at least one additional classroom renovation, and I will be sure to pass along news when it happens.

In addition to the great work our staff has done in support facility upgrades, I am excited to share several great stories about KNPE and our students in this issue – specifically, Project FLEX; a new grant project with Elgin School District U-46; a partnership between sport management and physical education; and a great accomplishment by an athletic training student are all highlighted.

Moreover, I encourage you follow KNPE on our department’s Instagram account. Here we feature cool things such as our graduating students, what our alumni are doing and other fun happenings – and, of course, this account is also student-run!

I look forward to connecting with you soon (either virtually or in-person) and, as always, please feel free to reach out to me directly at tgilson@niu.edu or 815-753-9399.

Happy Holidays!

Todd Gilson, Ph.D., CSCS, FAASP
Professor and Chair
Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education

Print Friendly, PDF & Email