'U' welcomes new Kinesiology director

Psychology Prof. John Hagen, who headed up the search for a director of the Division of Kinesiology, says he couldn't be happier with the fruits of his labor.

His committee's decision to recommend Beverly Ulrich for the position was the first step toward inviting an internationally-recognized professor to head up the University's Kinesiology faculty.

Ulrich's appointment was approved by Provost Nancy Cantor and the University Board of Regents at its September meeting, bringing the eight-month search officially to a close.

"It is a major accomplishment for the University to bring Dr. Ulrich in," Hagen said, adding that the "strong tradition of research centers" at the University will provide a different atmosphere than the one she will leave behind in Indiana.

"She's leaving Indiana, a school whose medical school is in Indianapolis and not on campus," Hagen said. "She brings an interesting research background that is not heavily represented now in Kinesiology."

Ulrich said the University is a perfect place to foster her love for research.

"Michigan seems to put heavier emphasis on ... support for research, from providing funds for undergraduate students to faculty grants for collaborations among units," Ulrich said. "These are some of the elements that drew me to the University."

Ulrich added that she hopes to use the close proximity of campus units and research centers to form collaborations between Kinesiology and other programs on campus.

"Today, most people recognize that the issues they deal with are complex, and solutions must be identified by studying the problem from multiple perspectives," Ulrich said. "By collaborating we can come up with better, more holistic solutions to problems in research."

Hagen said Ulrich, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education in 1973, is known around the world for her work with children with Down's Syndrome, combining biological and psychological perspectives.

"Indiana will be sorry to lose her," Hagen said. "She will bring a new tradition of research to our division."

Ulrich said she is excited for her move - which will bring her to Ann Arbor this winter to begin her term Jan. 1.

"U of M is a wonderful university," Ulrich said. "I was excited about the opportunity to work with a very fine group of faculty as well as with the University leaders."

Ulrich is president of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity and was also elected to the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education.

Hagen said the search committee chose Ulrich because of her many achievements.

"We were looking for someone who could be a full professor with a distinguished research record and also someone interested in the administrative position," Hagen said.

The Kinesiology head is "more than a department chair and less than a dean," Hagen said, adding that the Kinesiology division is home to more than 700 undergraduates and about 35 graduate students.

Kinesiology associate Prof. Bruce Watkins, who served as interim director of the Division of Kinesiology since Sept. 1, said evolution will be the focus of Ulrich's term at the University.

"Over the past dozen or so years, we've built an excellent and dedicated faculty committed to teaching and scholarship," Watkins said. "The challenge ... is to be on the cutting edge of research in our discipline, provide a solid foundation and training for our graduate students and give our undergraduates a wide range of classes."

Watkins said he is certain Ulrich is up to the challenge. Ulrich "is very enthusiastic about the opportunities here," Watkins said. "She is an internationally-recognized scholar in her area, whose work cuts across several disciplines."

Ulrich said during her time at the University, she hopes to build upon Kinesiology's existing strengths.

"I would like to extend the opportunities for faculty and students," Ulrich said. "We have some outstanding faculty, many of whom have excellent research programs. They have a lot to offer the next generation of scientists, but we need to provide opportunities for students by increasing the availability of graduate assistantships."

Ulrich's appointment at the University marks her first time serving as a department director. Ulrich said she and her husband, who will be joining her as an associate professor of Kinesiology, are "excited to become a part of the U of M family."

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