The University of Connecticut’s kinesiology doctoral program is now top-ranked by the National Academy of Kinesiology, placing first in the United States in a recent evaluation of programs.
The Academy ranks doctoral programs across the country semiannually based on faculty publications such as journal articles and presentations, funding, faculty visibility such as being a National Kinesiology fellow and student data such as the amount of graduate assistant support and doctoral publications and presentations, according to the National Academy of Kinesiology’s website. The report also tracks doctoral graduation rates and student contributions to the field.
UConn’s program has been top-ranked for years. It has been consistently in the academy’s top three rankings since 2000, barring one ranking cycle, according to UConn Today. In 2024, the program was ranked No. 2 in the nation.
“It’s a tremendous recognition for the hard work and dedication of our faculty and students,” kinesiology Department Head and Professor Laurie Devaney told UConn Today.
The Department of Kinesiology is located in UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. The department offers a bachelor of science, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in exercise science, a master’s in athletic training, a master’s and certification in exercise prescription and a doctorate in physical therapy.
The kinesiology department has gained many accolades in recent months. Just last week, former department head Lindsay DiStefano was named UConn’s new vice president for research, innovation and entrepreneurship after serving as the interim vice president since 2025. She was the kinesiology department head from 2018-2023.
Elaine Choung-Hee Lee, a UConn kinesiology professor, was also inducted into the National Academy of Kinesiology as a fellow this year. The academy is made up of fellows who have made contributions to the field of kinesiology. Lee is the director of the University’s Human Performance Lab and a senior research advisor in the Korey Stringer Institute, according to UConn Today. Her research is on exercising in the heat, and how the body adapts and recovers in the heat.
Kinesiology professors Douglas Casa and Linda Pescatello are also academy fellows, inducted in 2016 and 2019, respectively. The No. 1 ranking has already made the program more interesting to prospective graduate students, Pescatello said.
At the time of the academy’s review, UConn’s kinesiology program had 10 faculty members. Devany said the program’s ability to have this success despite its small size is important to recognize.
“The fact that we’re able to have this level of productivity, success and impact is a real recognition of the outstanding faculty and staff that we have. This type of outsized impact is a remarkable accomplishment,” she told UConn Today.
“It’s a [recognition] of academic excellence, which is really important for us in continuing to recruit students, engage with industry and ultimately have access to the resources we need to have a greater impact,” Devaney told UConn Today.
The results of this year’s ranking were announced at the National Academy’s annual conference in Oregon.