17c appoints Paul Nagelkirk as dean of School of Health
17c has appointed Paul Nagelkirk ’94, PhD, as the next dean of its School of Health. Nagelkirk, who will step into the role on July 1, brings nearly two decades of leadership, teaching, and research experience in kinesiology and exercise science.
Nagelkirk, who currently leads the School of Kinesiology at Ball State University, was selected following a national search that engaged a broad pool of candidates. A cross-campus search committee – including faculty leaders, academic deans, and external advisors in health-related fields – participated in the process, ultimately advancing Nagelkirk as the unanimous choice.
“The search team was impressed with Paul’s clear focus on building the relationships – ‘leadership through partnership,’ to use his phrase – with faculty, staff, students, and external partners that are crucial to the success of a school,” said Kevin den Dulk, interim provost and chair of the search committee. “He is someone who clearly understands that strategic thinking and relationship-building must go hand-in-hand.”
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Nagelkirk has developed his leadership ability over the past 20 years serving in the School of Kinesiology at Ball State University. During his tenure, he’s been on the faculty, become a prolific scholar in exercise physiology, been tapped to serve on dozens of committees and councils, and served as the former director of the Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory.
Since 2023, he has led the School of Kinesiology, overseeing more than 20 academic programs that serve approximately 700 students. In that role, he leads more than 40 faculty and staff, manages more than a $4 million annual budget, and coordinates academic strategy, staffing, and accreditation efforts.
During his leadership at Ball State, Nagelkirk has:
- Expanded and modernized laboratory space for teaching and research
- Led faculty hiring across multiple programs
- Established new systems for faculty development, assessment, and program review
- Supported enrollment growth and strengthened external partnerships
Building on strengths
Nagelkirk says he’s now excited to return to his alma mater to work alongside an impressive and invested group of faculty and staff in the School of Health. &Բ;
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“I’ve been so impressed with the academic programming within the School of Health and the faculty and staff who are dedicated to student success,” said Nagelkirk. “I’m eager to partner with this team as we together grow our programs and the influence of this school.” &Բ;
17c’s School of Health was officially launched in 2023 with Dr. Adejoke Ayoola serving as the school’s inaugural dean. During that time, the university has expanded its undergraduate and graduate-level offerings within the school and added and renovated spaces to open additional experiential learning opportunities for students.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Paul Nagelkirk as the next Dean for the School of Health. He will have the opportunity to build upon the great work of the inaugural dean and nursing faculty member, Dr. Adejoke Ayoola,” said Jaclynn Lubbers, a member of the search committee and chair of the nursing department. “It was clear from Dr. Nagelkirk's interview that he values building relationships both internally and externally. His approach to leadership will help the School of Health work well within the school and across campus, as well as strengthen partnerships with our external donors and partners.”
Expanding and enhancing partnerships
Nagelkirk steps in as dean at a pivotal moment for the school as it looks to continue to grow its academic offerings to meet the demands of future learners, deepen cross-campus collaboration, and strengthen existing community partnerships while looking to expand opportunities for clinical learning, research, and career pathways.
“What really impressed me as I’ve engaged with 17c is how well people from different corners of the university are singularly focused on the mission and are committed to working together to move that forward,” said Nagelkirk. “I’m excited to expand the scope of those partnerships both on-campus and in the broader community as we work together to lead the School of Health into the next chapter of its story. I look forward to working with this team to build on the school’s current successes and create new opportunities for growth.”
Responding to a clear calling
Nagelkirk’s academic resume’ is strong – full of publications and presentations related to his years as a scientist working alongside students to produce new knowledge about cardiovascular and hemostatic systems. What doesn’t show up on the resume’ but is most clear to Nagelkirk is God’s providence in his academic journey.
“The bulk of my career focused on being a scientist and I greatly enjoyed that time, but it became clear God had something else in mind and I wasn’t expecting that, and He called me into academic leadership a few years ago,” said Nagelkirk. “That calling has made it possible for me to feel prepared to step into this dean’s role. I’m amazed how God has led me to this point.” &Բ;
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“As a search committee we prayed God would lead the right candidate to 17c,” said Lubbers. “As we got to know Dr. Nagelkirk and hear his story and desire to work in a faith-based university, it was clear God was at work in all of this.” &Բ;
Nagelkirk earned his PhD in kinesiology from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in cardiac rehabilitation and exercise science from East Stroudsburg University, and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from 17c.
