Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It's your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I’m your host, King Musa, and today we’re diving into the world of kinesiology and health science with a distinguished leader in the field.
Joining us today is Dr. Wycliffe Njororai, Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Njororai is an expert in sports and health science, and we’re excited to hear about his journey and the innovative initiatives in his department. Let’s dive in!"
Getting to Know Dr. Njororai
King Musa: "Dr. Njororai, welcome to The CheatSheet! Could you introduce yourself and share your role at SFA?"
Dr. Njororai: "Thank you, King Musa. I’m Wycliffe Samuel Njororai, Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at SFA. I oversee five different programs, including undergraduate degrees in physical education and exercise science, as well as graduate programs in human performance and athletic training. My role involves budgeting, personnel supervision, advocating for resources, and ensuring an ideal learning environment for students and faculty alike."
Personal Background and Passions
KM: "Tell us a little about your background. Where are you from, and how did your upbringing influence your career?"
Dr. Njororai: "I was born and raised in Kenya in a large family. My mother, the first of four wives in a polygamous household, had 14 children. Growing up, we farmed cash crops and subsistence crops, which helped fund our education. My passion for physical education started early when I formed a soccer team in my village. I was both a player and a coach, which sparked my interest in leadership and sports education."
KM: "Outside of kinesiology, what other hobbies and passions do you have?"
Dr. Njororai: "I enjoy reading inspirational books, biographies, and leadership content. Staying active is also important to me—I walk and jog regularly to maintain fitness. I’m passionate about gardening as well; my wife and I grow our own vegetables, promoting healthy eating and sustainability."
Career Journey and Leadership
KM: "What led you to your current role at SFA?"
Dr. Njororai: "My career began in Kenya, where I earned my bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in physical education and served as a faculty member and athletics director. In 2007, I moved to the U.S., teaching at Wiley College and later UT Tyler. Along the way, I took on leadership roles, including department chair positions. When the opportunity to lead the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at SFA arose, I knew it was the right fit."
KM: "What challenges have shaped you as a leader?"
Dr. Njororai: "Balancing professional and personal responsibilities has been a key challenge, especially when I became a single parent while my wife pursued her education in the U.S. Learning to adapt, prioritize, and lead by example has made me stronger and more empathetic."
Innovations and Initiatives in Kinesiology
KM: "What exciting initiatives are happening in your department?"
Dr. Njororai:
- Classroom Upgrades: "We’ve improved classroom infrastructure to create a more welcoming and professional environment for students."
- Research and Funding: "Faculty have secured significant grants to enhance research, including a $100,000 grant to upgrade our human performance lab."
- Professional Development: "We encourage faculty to engage in ongoing training through the Center for Teaching and Learning and external programs."
- Student Recognition: "We’ve established annual awards to celebrate outstanding students and faculty, fostering a culture of excellence."
Advice and Lessons for Students
KM: "What advice would you give to students pursuing kinesiology or health sciences?"
Dr. Njororai:
- Build Relationships: "Don’t go through your program anonymously. Make connections with professors who can serve as mentors and references."
- Engage and Volunteer: "Take part in community activities and internships to gain practical experience and sharpen your skills."
- Guard Your GPA: "Start strong academically. It’s easier to maintain a good GPA than to recover from a poor start. Procrastination is your enemy."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Njororai, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us. Your leadership and passion for education are truly inspiring.
To our listeners, remember: Success starts with commitment, hard work, and a willingness to grow. Stay tuned for more episodes of The CheatSheet, where we decode success and help you elevate your game. This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Keep pushing forward and stay active. Peace!"
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