Kerry Mummery extends for one year as Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation

In a recent letter to the University of Alberta community, Provost Steven Dew announced that Kerry Mummery has agreed to extend his term as the Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR) by one year.

According to Dew, the recent 11% cut to the University of Alberta’s provincial funding in the Government of Alberta’s 2020 budget—paired with the evolving COVID-19 pandemic—led to the decision to put a halt to the decanal search for KSR as the university gets set to tackle the challenges that lay ahead. 

“Because of these uncertainties, the President and I have made the decision to not proceed with the appointment of a new Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at this time,” said Dew. “Instead, we are grateful to have the opportunity to benefit from the strong, experienced leadership of Dr. Kerry Mummery to steer the Faculty through these challenging times.”

A decade of progress

Under Mummery’s tutelage, the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation has experienced significant change over the past 10 years, and has become a leader in kinesiology, physical activity, sport, recreation and leisure both nationally and internationally. 

From introducing Canada’s first Masters program in coaching (MCoach) and revamping the Faculty’s physical footprint on both North and South campuses, to recruiting talented professors, staff and students—all of whom contribute to KSR’s top 10 standing in the world in sport-related subjects—and navigating the Faculty through a much needed name change, Mummery has brought forth a sea of changes for KSR.

“What we’ve been able to accomplish together over the last decade has been tremendous,” said Mummery. “Thanks to initiatives that we’ve taken on over the past several years, such as introducing online graduate-level certificates and establishing strong international partnerships, I feel that the Faculty is in a good position to address the challenges presented by both the budget, and the COVID19 pandemic.” 

The connection that Mummery has with KSR made the decision to stay on as dean for one more year easier. As an alumnus of the Faculty (PhD, ‘94), he has been ingrained in KSR for much longer than his decade as dean. The professors, research, students, staff, Campus & Community Recreation and Athletics programs and facilities have long been a source of pride for Mummery, and the future of KSR is still as important to him now as it was 10 years ago when he first became dean.

“I am very fond of the Faculty, and am very proud of all we’ve accomplished together over the past decade. While this was not how my family and I planned the next year, I am happy to be part of the response to budget challenges, and have great confidence in our leadership teams to help navigate KSR through these trying times. ” 

Moving cautiously ahead

While KSR is well-positioned to play an important role in decisions around the future of both the Faculty and the University of Alberta, Mummery is aware that there is a lot of uncertainty. It’s during times of uncertainty that Mummery leans on the strength of the faculty to remind him that brighter days are ahead.

“We are amidst very challenging times, there is no question about that, but we are a strong, accomplished, highly regarded faculty both domestically and internationally. As tough as times are now, I am confident that Faculty, staff and students will continue to excel. Although no one planned on the challenges we are experiencing, the response has been remarkable.”