Leading at the Edge During COVID-19: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Pandemic Preparedness

in Kinesiology Review

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Steven J. ElmerDepartment of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA

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Kelly B. KammDepartment of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
Health Research Institute, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/kr.2022-0025
Keywords:
kinesiology outreach; COVID-19 pandemic; rural health; resilience
First Published Online:
10 Oct 2022
In Print:
Volume 11: Issue 4
Page Range:
275–284
Restricted access

In this paper, we describe how the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology at Michigan Technological University assembled a COVID-19 pandemic response team to help protect the health of the campus and rural community. Specifically, our team worked to (a) enhance public health messaging, (b) manage the university contact tracing program, (c) expand health science curricula, (d) promote and facilitate physical activity as a key mitigation strategy, and (e) provide professional development opportunities for students. We also consider strategies to prepare for subsequent COVID-19 surges and future health emergencies. Leveraging our broad-based training in health science and “leading at the edge” was a critical asset for the campus and community and may serve as a model for other kinesiology departments and rural colleges and universities.

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