May 29, 2020

Dear NAKHE Friends,

RE:  Moving 2021 NAKHE Conference to a Virtual Format

After much deliberation and discussion, I write to announce that the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education has decided to move the in-person 2021 NAKHE Annual Conference slated for January 6 – 9 in New Orleans, LA to a virtual format.  We acknowledge that even if the health crisis is resolved, it is likely that attending an in-person conference would be difficult for a good portion of our membership.
 
The human toll, social consequences, and economic impact of this health crisis is far reaching. Many higher education institutions have already reduced travel budgets, furloughed staff, and cut overall budgets.  Some of our members may lose their jobs or face salary cuts.  Many graduate students are encountering obstacles to continuing in their programs.  Several of us have lost loved ones and our communities are hurting.

We know that for many of you NAKHE is a place to interact with peers across the world and reenergize.  This decision was a difficult one to make.  In lieu of the in-person conference, we will be offering the conference virtually at a significantly reduced cost.  We will organize opportunities to network and connect with colleagues.  We are working diligently to make this happen.  The call for proposals will be announced June 1st, and more detailed information about the new format will be released in the next couple of months.

We will experience a significant financial setback this year.  NAKHE is a vital organization.  Even though we are unable to host the in-person conference, I ask that you maintain your membership if possible.  In the meantime, please follow us on  Facebook and Twitter.

If you have questions about this decision or any other NAKHE matters, please contact us.  I hope that you and yours are safe.  We will get through this together and come out the other side stronger.  I wish you the very best in this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, MCHES
NAKHE President