The semiannual ranking is primarily based on faculty research productivity and mentorship of doctoral students
The UConn gateway sign sits at sunrise on Monday, July 28, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
UConn's Ph.D. program in the Department of Kinesiology has come out at the top of this year's National Academy of Kinesiology's (NAK) doctoral program evaluation.
"It's a tremendous recognition for the hard work and dedication of our faculty and students," says Laurie Devaney, professor and department head of kinesiology.
The Department of Kinesiology is located within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR).
The NAK is a member-based organization composed of elected fellows who have made sustained and distinguished contributions to the discipline through research activity, as well as policy advocacy or education, over an extended period. This year, Elaine Choung-Hee Lee, professor of kinesiology at UConn, was inducted as a fellow. Board of Trustees Distinguished Professors of Kinesiology Douglas Casa and Linda Pescatello are both NAK fellows as well.
"These awards are about being recognized by our peers for doing work in the field," Pescatello says. "That alone makes this award stand out."
The semiannual ranking of doctoral programs is primarily based on faculty research productivity and mentorship of doctoral students. This includes number of publications, journal editorships, funding, research dissemination through presentations, and invited talks. The report also tracks the graduation rate of Ph.D. students, where these students go after graduation, and how they contribute to the field.
"It's really about the important outcomes of discovery, dissemination, and training the next generation of kinesiologists," Devaney says.
The rankings are adjusted for faculty size. At the time of the evaluation, UConn's program had 10 faculty members.
"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," Devaney says.
UConn's program has been in the top 10 since the rankings began in 2000, and in the top three for all but one cycle.
"It's a reflection of sustained excellence within the department," Pescatello says. "Not only does it increase the perception of prestige of our department, it's another accomplishment for the University. It substantiates how hard we work to compete with the biggest and best programs in the country."
Devaney says receiving this recognition will help the program maintain its excellence and continue to grow.
"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 says.
Pescatello says the announcement of the ranking has already garnered increased interest from prospective graduate students.
"To be recognized for giving back excellence to the University that has done so much for you is an extremely rewarding feeling, and this award does signify that," Pescatello says.
This work relates to CAHNR's Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.
