Theresa D. Hern谩ndez has been named the first director of CU Boulder Athletics鈥� Crawford Family , a nationally recognized initiative that prepares student-athletes for life success by comprehensively focusing on their physical, psychological, academic and career health. Hern谩ndez comes to the Athletic Department from the College of Arts and Sciences, where she served as associate dean for research since 2016.听
An expert in the study of traumatic brain injury (TBI), Hern谩ndez has implemented basic and clinical neuroscience methods that optimize recovery from TBI in veterans, civilians and athletes by reducing the effects of stress and promoting psychological health. She has collaborated with the WHOLE Student-Athlete Program since its inception and recently completed research for the Pac-12 that assesses student-athlete health and well-being from recruitment through graduation and beyond.听
鈥淎fter working closely with the WHOLE Student-Athlete Program as a collaborator, I鈥檓 looking forward to continuing its important work as program director,鈥� Hern谩ndez said. 鈥淭his program really revolutionizes the student-athlete experience by factoring in all the elements that set a person up for success well beyond their time at CU Boulder. I am looking forward to utilizing my expertise for the benefit of our student-athletes.鈥澨�
鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to be bringing Dr. Hern谩ndez on to serve as director of our WHOLE Student-Athlete Program,鈥� said Athletic Director Rick George. 鈥淪ince its creation, the WHOLE program has set the national standard for student-athlete wellness, and we look forward to its continued evolution under the leadership of Dr. Hern谩ndez, whose experience in this field is unmatched.鈥澨� 听听
The WHOLE Student-Athlete Program focuses on a person鈥檚 overall wellness amidst the pressures of the college athletics experience by incorporating their physical, psychological, academic and career goals, giving them the tools to succeed both while they are at CU Boulder and well after they leave. The landmark program is a cornerstone for CU Boulder, which continues to be a leader in mental as well as physical resources for student-athletes.听
While at the College of Arts and Sciences, Hernandez was responsible for cost-sharing for grant proposals, overseeing the college鈥檚 centers, and promoting the research, scholarship and creative works of arts and sciences faculty from all divisions, particularly in relation to health and human performance. She will maintain an appointment in the college to oversee the Southern Colorado Partnerships to promote their sustainability and enhance their reach. These partnerships include the Southern Ute Tribe Department of Education and the CU@Fort Lewis College postdoctoral teaching fellowship program, which she co-created with former Dean James W.C. White.
鈥淒r. Hern谩ndez has been an invaluable member of the College of Arts and Sciences, and we look forward to her continuing her important work in this new role with athletics at CU Boulder,鈥� said Glen Krutz, dean of arts and sciences. 鈥淗er knowledge of and passion for health and wholistic human wellness make her uniquely positioned to take on this new challenge, one I鈥檓 confident at which she鈥檒l excel.鈥澨�
Hern谩ndez will begin her new role on Aug. 1.听 听听
