After 38 years at UNCG, Dr. Diane Gill will retire at the end of the summer. As an educator for 50 years, she has taught and mentored countless students and colleagues in the field of kinesiology. Her passion for helping others has led to tremendous success. She’s considered a legend in the field of sport and exercise psychology, particularly social psychology and physical activity, and her textbook has been a staple in college classrooms since it was first released. She has been active in many roles at UNCG and professionally that include faculty, chairperson, associate dean, director, editor to name a few.
On Wednesday, April 30, Diane delivered her last lecture at UNCG. The lecture discussed her career, the history of the UNCG Department of Kinesiology, the field of sport and exercise psychology, and the impact of the EdD in Kinesiology program. Along with a room full of faculty, staff, students, and alumni, many people attended the session virtually. If you are interested, you can watch her last lecture using this alumni engagement link .
The festivities for Diane continued on Wednesday, May 7, as over 100 people joined us at UNCG’s Alumni House to celebrate Diane and her wonderful accomplishments at UNCG and beyond. Friends, colleagues, current and former students shared their fondest memories of Diane and offered well wishes in her next chapter. A select group of speakers shared special words with the audience, including her former classmate and colleague Dr. Dan Gould; the dean who hired her, Dr. Dick Swanson; along with former graduate students and professional colleagues, Dr. Al Smith, Dr. Lavon Williams, and Dr. Erin Reifsteck, as well as our kinesiology department chair, Dr. Jenny Etnier. Diane shared her gratitude and there were smiles (and some tears) all around the room.
To honor Diane, donations were made by many to the EdD in KIN Enrichment Fund to help cover some costs for the incoming EdD in KIN students attending orientation. Donation requests will be made again next academic year as we plan to continue this fundraising effort, so you will have another chance to donate.
In May, Diane was celebrated by the School of HHS as one of its five retiring faculty, which also included three KIN faculty members Dr. Allan Goldfarb and Dr. Sandy Shultz (this HHS press release talks more about all of the retirees). She was also recognized with an honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters from her alma mater, SUNY Cortland at their May Commencement ceremony. The selection committee noted that “Diane is a role model for students and colleagues alike…She truly has helped create a healthier, more active world in her life’s work.” This link will take you to the SUNY Cortland press release.
Diane is a rockstar, mentor, friend, and more to so many people. Her legacy will live on at UNCG and beyond. We wish her a wonderful retirement and look forward to staying connected and hearing stories of her many adventures in retirement. Diane, thank you for all you have done at UNCG and for the field of sport and exercise psychology.