Exceptional leaders often motivate others to excel in their field by creating an inclusive environment dedicated to excellence – Barry Braun embodies this ethos. 

Since 2014, Braun has served as head of the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University and is now being recognized with the American Kinesiology Association’s Jerry R. Thomas Distinguished Leadership Award for his role in elevating the department in many areas. Braun’s nomination was put forward by Associate Professor Brett Fling and faculty and staff within the department and the College of Health and Human Sciences, including Dean Lise Youngblade. 

“I had no idea I had been nominated, a group of faculty members conceived of the idea and collected thoughts and quotes from a variety of folks and put the packet together behind my back,” Braun said. “When I received the message that I had won this award I really had no idea what the sender was talking about.” 

Braun was drawn to the already strong program at CSU from the University of Massachusetts where he was a faculty member for 14 years. “I was looking for an opportunity to take on a role bigger than teaching, doing research and training grad students in my own lab. I was aware that the HES department here at CSU was already a good department with excellent faculty and facilities and the potential to be exceptional. When the department head position opened up here, I jumped at the chance to lead this group of folks,” he said. 

Enhancing the department 

In the nomination letter, Braun’s leadership, commitment to education, and his stalwart support for faculty, staff, and students were highlighted.  

“Dr. Braun’s transformative leadership style has allowed our department to change from a department that operated in specific, individualized areas (teaching, research, and outreach), to one of integration, collaboration, and support across all areas,” wrote Fling in the nomination materials. 

Braun’s impact on the department and CSU is apparent over his tenure and during everyday interactions. 

“Many of our departmental teams are now made up of members from divergent positions and backgrounds that have an interest in developing and improving a specific area within our department. It is now common to see hallway conversations between members of teaching, research, and outreach; a spontaneous interaction that rarely happened prior to Dr. Braun’s leadership,” continued Fling. 

Braun’s leadership has resulted in increased success for HES, rising to the second largest major at CSU during his tenure. 

“His pioneering spirit has provided the opportunity to make our department a competitive undergraduate major on campus and a destination where students know they can receive a quality education with practical experiences, engaged instructors, and the ability to continue their individual career path,” said Kimberly Burke, instructor and director of the department’s Adult Fitness Program. 

The leap that the program made under the direction of Braun was largely due to his dedication to others, propelling the program to new heights. 

“Barry is quick to help everyone. He is always asking ‘How can I help?’ From the beginning of his time as department head, his steadfast focus has been staff development in all areas; office staff, tenure, and non-tenure-track faculty,” said Wendy DeYoung, director of the health promotion concentration and assistant department head. 

“Dr. Braun has created this community of family within our department. We all look out for each other, step in to help when needed, and celebrate each other’s small and large victories,” DeYoung said.  

Curriculum changes and lab expansion 

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Braun held weekly Teams meetings to touch base with faculty, staff, and graduate students, with attendance ranging from 45 – 60 individuals each week. “Mindful updates were provided, teaching back-up plans were developed in the event of faculty illness, cleaning protocols, seating charts, social distancing requirements, and creatively finding new classrooms to accommodate students were common language in our department,” Fling wrote. 

“Upon Barry’s arrival in the fall of 2014, one of the first committees he put together was an undergraduate curriculum committee,” Burke said. “That group spent a year putting together an extensive overhaul of our health and exercise science undergraduate curriculum, with concentrations in sports medicine and health promotion.” 

With these curriculum changes, Braun and HES have added classes in areas of Introductory Exercise Physiology, Success in Health and Exercise Science, Physiology of Clinical Health Professions, and Virtual Coaching for Wellness. Additionally, a minor in health and exercise science has been added to allow some students in other majors the flexibility to add a human focus, or not change majors to help with graduation rates. 

These curriculum changes have been coupled with the expansion and renovation of the Human Performance Clinical Research Laboratory. “Braun understands the culture and how continuous improvement is required to support senior faculty as well as provide the necessary resources for new faculty to conduct cutting-edge research,” said Laurie Biela, manager of research operations in the HPCRL. 

“He listened to the needs of the researchers and was able to implement and fund projects ranging in size and magnitude, from the esthetics of new paint and base trim, to operating ‘behind the scenes’ and providing a second generator that powers critical lab equipment, to a $2.5 million expansion of 4500 sq ft and everything in between,” Biela continued. 

What it takes to be a leader

“After you have taken care of everyone else’s needs, if anything is left over, that’s your share. I think people in leadership positions need to not just accept that but embrace it. And it comes back to you in meaningful ways,” Braun said. 

When asked about his leadership style, Braun’s response reflects his service-driven mindset. 

“I hope the message is that if you throw your heart and soul into what you do and prioritize people’s happiness over the ‘stuff’ they accomplish, you can have a team that is both incredibly successful and loves what they do,” said Braun. “People say being department head is a thankless job, but I don’t find that to be true, the faculty and staff thank me all the time. 

“Reading the materials they put forward was incredibly moving and their words will stick with me long after the award has collected dust on a shelf.” 

The Department of Health and Exercise Science is a part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.