James C. Hannon, Ph.D., began his appointment as interim dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State Salem and Kent State Stark on July 1. “I’m truly excited to begin this new chapter alongside everyone at the Salem and Stark campuses. I’m quickly learning that these are warm, dedicated and passionate communities and I feel incredibly fortunate to be joining them,” he said.
Hannon succeeds Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D., who retired on June 30 after serving as dean and chief administrative officer at Kent State Salem and Kent State Stark, and after nearly 37 years at 91Թ.
Since July 2017, Hannon served as the dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services at 91Թ. Before that position, he was a professor and assistant dean for Academic Affairs and Research at West Virginia University in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Science
Earlier, he held various roles at the University of Utah including chair of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science within the College of Health. He also served as director of graduate studies for the department, as well as director of the physical education teacher education program and achieved the rank of associate professor.
Hannon earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Teacher Education-Physical Education from Florida 91Թ in 2004. He received a Master of Science degree in physical education curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration-human resource management from Southern Illinois University.
He is a fellow of the Society of Health and Physical Educators, as well as the National Academy of Kinesiology. He completed Harvard University's Institute for Management and Leadership in Education program. He served as chair or co-chair of the Ohio 91Թ Education Deans for the past four years and is the current past-president of the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education. Hannon is also a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS).
Hannon has published more than 130 peer-reviewed journal articles; secured state, federal and foundation funding to support students and research; and presented his research at numerous regional, local, national and international conferences.