Laurie Devaney, PhD

Professor and Department Head

Kinesiology

Dr. Laurie Devaney is the Head of the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut and Co-Director of the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine. She is responsible for the overall administration and strategic leadership of a department that includes undergraduate and graduate exercise science education, physical therapy and athletic training clinical programs, an online master’s degree in exercise prescription, the Korey Stringer Institute, and the UConn Institute for Sports Medicine. Her dedication to advancing musculoskeletal health and injury prevention through clinical care, education, and discovery is evident through her extensive career spanning over three decades.

Under Dr. Devaney’s leadership, the Department of Kinesiology has experienced significant growth in its vital mission areas. Her commitment to shared decision-making and community building is a core value in her administrative roles.

The highlights include:

• Successful management of a budget serving over 400 students, 30+ faculty and staff, and various community populations.
• Development of innovative programs such as the Athletic Training post-professional residency, PTCARES service-oriented learning experience, and community engaged SM internship for undergraduate students.
• Oversight of facilities and capital improvements including renovation and new construction to promote student and faculty success.
• Recruitment of highly qualified and diverse students, faculty, and staff, including those traditionally underrepresented in kinesiology and related fields.
• Leadership in university-wide initiatives, including developing interdisciplinary groups of sports medicine researchers, creating strategic partnerships, and fostering community networks.

Dr. Devaney has enjoyed a productive and wide-ranging career as a clinician, faculty member, and administrator including over 20 years at the University of Connecticut. She is an internationally recognized scholar with significant contributions to the field of kinesiology and physical therapy. Her research primarily focuses on neck pain and disability, musculoskeletal health, and injury prevention with a special focus on overhead athletes. Her research collaborations with industry partners, including MeloqAB, Iron Neck, and SIMI Motion further attest to the international scope of her scholarly activities. Dr. Devaney regularly disseminates her research findings at conferences and is invited to participate as a clinical and content expert in areas of musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Devaney has several honors and awards including the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association Marjorie A. King Research to Reality Award, Provost’s Commendation for Excellence in Teaching, and UConn School of Allied Health Golden Apple Teaching Award. Additionally, she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists, a member of the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists, and European Society of Shoulder and Elbow Rehabilitation. Dr. Devaney is a National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board Certified Athletic Trainer and Board Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialist, and she holds a Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Public Health reflecting her commitment to integrating public health principles into her work.