Two departments at the University of Tennessee at Martin recently named new chairs of those departments in advance of the start of the 2024-25 school year.
Brian Johnson was named the chair of the Department of Psychology, while Dr. Richard West was named the chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance.
Johnson has served UT Martin for 23 years as a lecturer of psychology. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1994 and his Master of Arts degree in general experimental psychology in 1996, both from the University of Northern Iowa.
Johnson has excelled in his position since coming to UT Martin. He received the College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences Award for Excellence in Service in 2021. Johnson is also involved in community theater, having performed and directed plays in several community theaters in the surrounding area.
The chair position of the Department of Psychology is a five-year rotating appointment. All members of the department faculty are eligible to serve as the department chair.
West is an associate professor of health and human performance. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, health and special education from what is now West Liberty University in West Virginia in 1997. He then completed his Master of Science degree in athletic coaching education with a concentration in athletic coaching, team management and athletic motivation and his Doctor of Education degree in physical education, coaching and teaching studies from what is now West Virginia University.
West successfully served for five years as the swimming head coach and aquatics director for Wheeling Jesuit University. He has taught in higher education since 2011 at two universities where he received tenure and promotion to associate professor: West Liberty University and Fairmont State University. He also served in a leadership role as director of the Department of Health and Human Performance, and as program coordinator.
PHOTO: Brian Johnson (left) and Dr. Richard West were named chairs of the Department of Psychology and the Department of Health and Human Performance, respectively.
