Have you met … Genevieve Johnson?

Genevieve Johnson and her little dog Milo

What is your current role in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR)?

I’m the faculty administrator and I started in November 2023. 

What path brought you to this role?

I embarked on my university journey in the kinesiology transfer program at MacEwan University. After two years, I made the leap to the University of Alberta. As part of my program requirements, I did a professional practicum as the community development assistant at the City of Leduc during the fall of 2021, and graduated in the spring of 2022.

After graduation, I had the opportunity to return to my job in Leduc on a summer contract, which ended up getting extended a couple of times until September of last year, when I applied here. 

What drew you to this job?

Beside being an alumni of the faculty, what really drew me was the diversity of the position. Sure, there are the day-to-day tasks that may never change, but the chance to work with different individuals and the various positions within the faculty is what truly drew me to the job. 

As an alumna, how does it feel to return to your faculty home in this new role?

It’s good to be back! It's familiar, but also different since I am looking at the faculty through a different lens now, which is exciting. I think I bring a unique perspective to my role because I was a student in KSR. This means I can contribute knowledge not only from my past work experience but also from my time as a student, encouraging change and new perspectives. 

What are you most looking forward to?

The opportunity to grow and learn from various individuals within the faculty and to learn new skills, but also to integrate my skills and knowledge into the position. 

What do you love about kinesiology and how it impacts people’s lives?

I have always had a strong passion for integrating and expanding the knowledge of physical activity and health into our communities in order to develop stronger, healthier and more active communities. I have a strong belief that the bonds of community, physical activity and health play a vital role in our overall well-being. Essentially, our health and happiness are inevitably linked with our connections. 

What’s something your KSR community might be surprised to learn about you?