The UNCG EdD in Kinesiology program continues to shape leaders who are making their mark across higher education. Three of our graduates — Dr. Tracy Bonoffski, Dr. Darnell Clark, and Dr. Kim Clark — have all landed roles at UNC Charlotte, where they bring their expertise, leadership, and passion for student success to the Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences. Together, they demonstrate the reach of the EdD in KIN and the collaborative spirit that thrives among our alumni.
Dr. Tracy Bonoffski
Tracy Bonoffski (EdD, MS, RD, CEP, CSSD) has been part of UNC Charlotte for nearly two decades and now serves as Graduate Program Director for the MS in Kinesiology — Clinical Exercise Physiology and Applied Physiology concentration, as well as a Senior Lecturer. Her deep clinical and teaching experience, along with ACSM certifications, directly align with the graduate program she leads. Tracy highlights how the EdD in KIN allowed her to explore areas of passion, strengthen her leadership skills, and prepare for future opportunities. Today, she integrates those lessons into her teaching, mentoring, and program development, helping UNC Charlotte students succeed both in the classroom and in the field.
Dr. Darnell K. Clark
Darnell Clark (EdD, CSCSD, RSCCE) is the Program Director for the undergraduate Exercise Science program and the Strength & Conditioning concentration in the MS Kinesiology program, where he also serves as Lecturer. Drawing on two decades as a practicing strength and conditioning professional and his leadership within the National Strength & Conditioning Association, Darnell oversees curriculum development, policy implementation, and CASCE accreditation compliance. He credits the EdD program with equipping him to transition into higher education, building skills in academic writing, research, and curriculum design. For Darnell, the most lasting lesson was the importance of community—something he carries into his role as a mentor and colleague at UNC Charlotte.
Dr. Kim Clark
Kim Clark (EdD, RRT, FAARC, FNAP) is Program Director for the undergraduate and graduate Respiratory Therapy programs and a Clinical Professor at UNC Charlotte. With more than 35 years of experience in respiratory therapy and 20 in higher education, she has been a leader in advancing the field. Kim pioneered North Carolina’s first online bachelor’s (2007) and master’s (2017) respiratory therapy advancement programs, opening doors for working professionals. She finds it most rewarding to see students return to achieve their goals, with many graduates moving into leadership, education, and specialist roles statewide. Kim credits the EdD in Kinesiology with reestablishing her research agenda, broadening her perspective, and reinforcing her passion for promoting advanced education in respiratory therapy.
Reconnecting as Colleagues
What makes this especially meaningful is the way these alumni have reconnected as colleagues at UNC Charlotte. Working just steps away from one another, Tracy, Darnell, and Kim collaborate regularly across graduate and undergraduate programs, supporting one another’s initiatives and strengthening the student experience. They note that the EdD program provided not only advanced skills but also a sense of community that continues to influence their leadership and teaching today. From shared hallway conversations to joint program development, their partnership reflects the enduring impact of the EdD in KIN and the professional networks that extend well beyond graduation!
If you are interested in learning more about the EdD in KIN program, check out our EdD in KIN website for more information.