John Cairney, a seasoned and widely accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in the fields of pediatric exercise science and child health research, has been recommended to serve as the next dean of the School of Kinesiology.

His five-year appointment, pending approval by the Board of Regents at its Feb. 19 meeting, would be effective Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031. Cairney would replace Lori Ploutz-Snyder, whose second five-year term concludes in June 2026. 

Ploutz-Snyder, who has guided the school through a period of enhancing academic excellence, student success, operational efficiency, administrative infrastructure and cost-effectiveness, will remain in the position until Cairney’s appointment begins.

Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, announced Cairney’s recommendation Feb. 9.

“John Cairney brings a powerful combination of scholarly depth and practical leadership to the role of dean,” McCauley said. “His work has reshaped how we understand child development, physical activity, and mental health, and his global experience as a researcher and educator will be an invaluable asset.

“He has shown that rigorous research can translate into real-world impact. John is exactly the kind of leader who will build on the School of Kinesiology’s momentum and ensure it continues to thrive.”

Cairney would come to the School of Kinesiology with an impressive background in academia, research and innovative leadership.

Cairney holds leadership roles with the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, which include serving as head of the School for Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences; co-director of the Health and Well-Being Centre for Research Innovation; director of the Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies; and deputy executive director for the 2032 Office of Games Engagement.

Cairney has a lengthy and sustained history of research funding, and an impressive number of publications, including books, book chapters, and many peer-reviewed journal articles.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence the school and university have placed in me to serve as the next dean,” Cairney said. “It is a privilege to take on this role, and I am committed to leading with integrity, transparency and a clear focus on shared success.”

His service also extends to board roles in organizations such as the North American Society for Pediatric Exercise Medicine, where he served as president and as past president. Cairney is a 2017 recipient of the Alexander Leighton Award in Psychiatric Epidemiology and two years later received the Metzler-Freedman Exemplary Paper Award from the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education.

Cairney received his bachelor’s degree from Brock University in 1993 and his master’s degree from Queen’s University in 1995. In 2002, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of Western Ontario. 

He received his post-graduate diploma in organizational leadership from the University of Oxford in 2024 and a year later completed an Executive M.B.A. in sport management from Escuela Universitaria Real Madrid, Universidad Europea.

Cairney said he looks forward to this leadership role at the School of Kinesiology, which has experienced strategic growth under Ploutz-Snyder. During her 10 years as dean, the school has undergone a transformative $120 million building renovation; doubled the operating budget from $16 million to $34 million; expanded the faculty from 49 to 78 members; and developed five new graduate and undergraduate degree programs, along with many other accomplishments.

“Throughout the recruitment process, I was struck by the passion, collegiality, and commitment of the faculty and staff,” he said. “Their dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and service is truly impressive.

“This is a moment of real opportunity for our discipline, and I believe the School of Kinesiology is ready to build on its strong leadership and reach new heights — nationally, internationally, and with purpose. Go Blue.”

Editor’s note: Regents approved John Cairney’s appointment Feb. 19.