Preparing Kinesiology’s Future Leaders: Navigating the Ever-Changing Higher Education Landscape

The field of Kinesiology is at a pivotal juncture in higher education. This paper, adapted from the Rainer and Julie Martens Invited Lecture at the 2024 National Academy of Kinesiology meeting, examines leadership’s crucial role in preparing the next generation of scholars and leaders in Kinesiology. Drawing on personal experience and leadership theory, the author presents a framework focused on hypothesis-driven, servant, and mission-oriented leadership. These principles address current challenges like budget constraints, enrollment fluctuations, equity concerns, and the balance between specialization and interdisciplinary collaboration. By fostering positive organizational culture and cultivating future leaders, the paper provides a roadmap for advancing Kinesiology’s role in academia and society. It integrates theoretical perspectives with practical insights, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the future of Kinesiology in higher education, and offers guidance for current and aspiring leaders in the field.