The HHS Emerging Leader for 2017 is Dr. DeAnne Brooks. Dr. Brooks received a Doctorate in Education from the UNCG Department of Kinesiology in 2010. She is currently an assistant professor of Exercise Science at Salem College.

She combines her vast knowledge of the field and broad set of skills to provide students with a rich academic experience. Her high-quality teaching along with her sense of caring and compassion for students has been recognized at Salem College every year with a teaching award since 2013.

Dr. Brooks’ research focuses on the transition of collegiate athletes after their competitive careers to lead healthy lifestyles; she has published and presented extensively on this subject. The importance of her research was recognized when she was awarded the NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice Grant to create training modules that will be used by collegiate athletic departments nationwide to promote student-athlete wellness.

Of all her accomplishments, Dr. Brooks’ service to the youth in the community is what brings her most satisfaction. The track club that she leads has sent three to five student-athletes per year to college on partial or full track and field scholarships, a significant accomplishment given that several come from economically disadvantaged families.