Over the past few years, making NAKHE more international has been an ongoing discussion. The development of the international hub, which is an ongoing process, and establishing relationships with other organizations, such as PHE Canada, are examples of this increasing internationalization within NAKHE. Thanks to increasing interaction of our leadership with international organizations such as AIESEP and ICCE, we have also seen some growth of our international membership. With ever increasing technological capabilities and improving travel opportunities, more and more faculty are traveling further for educational and employment opportunities. As a native of England and now transplant in the United States, I can attest to this. I have also had incredible opportunities to attend conferences and events in Asia, Central and South America, and Canada.

As we become more international as a society and our organization becomes more internationalized, we have had discussions about whether our name is appropriate. “Kinesiology” does not mean the same in other countries as it does in the United States. For example, in Australia it represents physical therapy and in Canada the term is used primarily with exercise science. Furthermore, “National” also implies our organization is not intended for international faculty.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, but if an international faculty member does not think their discipline fits within our own interpretation of what kinesiology is, or they believe they cannot be a member of a national organization, then it is unlikely that they will become members or attend one of our events. Consequently, we lose a member and the potential for rich diversity within our membership.

There are both pros and cons with a potential name change. Therefore, at our January conference, I tasked the Future Directions Committee with investigating the “why and why not” for a proposed name change which they have been working on developing since.

It is vital that big decisions like these, which do not typically happen very often, include the entire membership. Consequently, I have requested that a virtual and in-person town hall meeting to be held during our Leadership Development Workshop this July. For those who are not able to be there in person, I encourage you all to participate virtually. The Future Directions Committee will present their findings along with an open opportunity to provide feedback, offer suggestions, and guide the decision making of the Board of Directors.

Big decisions are hard, and it is often much easier to just not make them. “We’re fine the way we are.” “Why rock the boat?” “That sounds complicated.” “We just had a name change.” Yet, for organizations to continually improve and meet the needs of its clientele, big decisions must sometimes be made and be made when they are needed. A prospective name change is one such decision, and it needs your voice as a member. Last, I encourage you all to have an open mind and respect the opinions of all within our membership.

I look forward to seeing you all at LDW, either virtually or in person. Thank you for your continued support of NAKHE.

Timothy Baghurst

NAKHE President

tim.baghurst@nakhe.org

Assistant Professor

School Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership

Springfield College

Korey's primary role at Springfield College is teaching Secondary method undergraduate and graduate courses in the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) initial leisure program. His philosophy of PETE follows a similar logic and produces the axiom: produce better thinkers, not better thinking.

His research focuses on evidence-based teaching practices in PE that works toward achieving racial equity and cultural relevancy in PE pedagogy. He conducts and publishes research focused entirely on the links between race and teaching physical education.

Korey first heard about NAKHE from his graduate mentor, Jared Russell, and joined because he wanted to expand his professional network in Kinesiology. Korey attended the January Conference where his experience presenting, interacting, and reconnecting with national and international leaders was a great way to start the year.

Welcome, Korey!

Are you new to NAKHE and want to be featured? E-mail leora.gabay@canyons.edu to be featured in our upcoming newsletter!

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