2005-2006

News Release

REF NO.: 100

SUBJECT: Memorial University appoints new director for the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation

DATE: November 18, 2005

Dr. Mary Bluechardt is the new director of the School of Human Kineticsand Recreation. Dr. Bluechardt's appointment is for a five-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2006. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Bluechardt was the national director for coach development at Special Olympics Canada. In this role she established both structure and process to advance coaching development for 9,000 coaches (and 30,000 athletes) in Canada. Dr. Bluechardt also played leadership roles in strategic planning and national accreditation for the 12 provincial/territorial chapters. She is an active member of the National Coaching Certification Council and newly appointed to the board of directors for the Coaching Association of Canada.

Prior to her post at Special Olympics Canada, Dr. Bluechardt was a professor at the University of Regina (Saskatchewan) in both the Faculties of Kinesiology and Health Studies, and Education. Her international development research has advanced the lives of persons with disabilities through sport. She served on a number of university-wide committees including Planning and Priorities and Executive of Council, and several selection and unit review committees across campus.

Dr. Bluechardt has always been an active member of the community outside the university environment, resulting in partnerships and practical experiences/placements for literally thousands of students.

Dr. Bluechardt is also professionally trained in mediation, negotiation, and resolving conflict from the Justice Institute of British Columbia Centre for Conflict

Resolution in Canada. Dr. Bluechardt has received a number of awards for her work and has a scholarship in her name at the University of Regina, a gift of recognition upon her departure from the university in 2001.

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