Departments unite to prepare for future of their fields

The College of Applied Health Sciences has taken a step that signifies our promise to confront obesity and related health concerns. Given the inseparable roles that physical activity and nutrition play in the epidemic in the U.S., our departments of movement sciences and human nutrition have merged to become the integrated Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition.

The decision came after more than a year of study and dialogue about the merits of blending the two departments. Our society has a growing interest in, and understanding of, the interrelatedness of nutrition and physical activity in managing health and wellness. In academia, there are a growing number of career and research opportunities in interdisciplinary fields that span nutrition, fitness and the health sciences. By blending the departments, we also blend the resources and expertise of our students, faculty and researchers.

“You could say there wasn’t really a choice to make,” says Dean Toby Tate about the merger. “We’ve always given our students an education that prepares them for the contemporary climate of their disciplines. This change simply reflects a movement in the fields and in society.”

Mark Grabiner, head of the former movement sciences department, will lead the new department. Earlier this year, Dr. Grabiner won a UIC Silver Circle Award for Excellence in Teaching, and his faculty received a UIC award for departmental teaching excellence.