Following an internal search, Laurie Devaney, associate professor in residence, has been selected to serve as the head of the Department of Kinesiology, effective March 1, 2025. She has served as interim head of the Department of Kinesiology since May 2023.

“Dr. Devaney has exhibited a collaborative approach to leadership that supports the strategic goals of the department, as well as the mission of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources,” says Dean Indrajeet Chaubey. “Her unique expertise, along with her commitment to student success, innovative research, and dedicated community engagement are all critical assets in this important role.”

Devaney has previously served as the director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, and she is the current co-director of the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine and a consultant for the UConn Division of Athletics.

Devaney is an experienced educator and researcher with decades of clinical experience in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. She has been a certified athletic trainer since 1993 and holds a Ph.D. in exercise science from UConn.

Devaney’s expertise encompasses sports injuries and neck pain and impairments, focusing on athletes and older adults. Her current research involves injury prevention in overhead athletes and modeling of central and peripheral neuromuscular impairments in patients with ongoing functional deficits after ligament injury and/or surgical reconstruction.

“In this role, I believe I can be an effective connector, facilitator, and advocate for the needs and values of our department,” says Devaney. “UConn’s Department of Kinesiology is rapidly growing and diversifying in programming and research, and I’m privileged to continue to serve my colleagues, our students, and the communities we support.”