2026 Department Head Certification Training
July 5 - 8, 2026
Please note that these dates are subject to change.
Hosted by Lindsey Nanney
University of North Carolina Wilmington
About the DHCT
The Department Head Certification Training (DHCT) is a highly structured certification program for emerging leaders in kinesiology who aspire to be department chairs or administrators of Kinesiology and related programs at their college or university. The intent is to brand emerging leaders and administrators with NAKHE’s imprimatur in leadership. Enrollment in the DHCT is by application and acceptance only.
The DHCT is held every other year alongside the Leadership Development Workshop (LDW). This year's LDW/DHCT is July 5 - 8, 2026, in Wilmington, NC.
About the LDW
The intent of the NAKHE Leadership Development Workshop (LDW) is to bring kinesiology leaders together to brainstorm solutions to complex problems facing higher education. The LDW is part of NAKHE’s Leadership Institute, which fosters, promotes, and sustains mentoring and networking opportunities for higher education professionals.
About Wilmington
Wilmington is a port city in North Carolina. It’s known as a gateway to Cape Fear Coast beaches like Wrightsville, with its strong surf, and Carolina, with its long boardwalk. Part of downtown’s Historic District, the Riverwalk is lined with restaurants, galleries and shops. It runs along the Cape Fear River, where the Battleship North Carolina is moored. Artifacts on the ship explore WWII naval combat history.
2026 DHCT Tentative Registration Fees
| Fee | Cost | |
| Member Registered by 5/1/2026 | $225 | |
| Member Registered by 6/1/2026 | $275 | |
| Member Registered after 6/1/2026 | $325 | |
| Registration Closes 6/30/2026 | ||
| Registration Limited to 5 People |
Not a member of NAKHE but want to participate in the DHC Training?
Join NAKHE here!
Tentative Schedule:
Sunday, July 5: Dept Head Certification Training 4:00-5:30 PM; Welcome Reception 6-7 PM; Dinner on your own 7 PM until
Monday, July 6: Workshop Activities 9 AM-5 PM; Dinner on your own
Tuesday, July 7: Workshop Activities 9 AM-1 PM; NAKHE Board Meeting 1:00-2:00 PM; Enjoy the afternoon.
Wednesday, July 8: No planned activities. Depart or recreate.
For further information, contact:
Chris Wirth
Department Head Certification Training Coordinator
cwirth@uwf.edu
Lindsey Nanney
Leadership Development Workshop Coordinator
nanneyl@uncw.edu
Tim Brusseau
Leadership Institute Chair
tim.brusseau@utah.edu