Dr. John Garner has been named interim Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Troy University.

Garner most recently served as Associate Dean of the college and has been Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion since 2016. He has also served as the interim Director of the School of Social Work and Human Services, and is a tenured Professor of Exercise Science.

“Dr. Garner has shown a distinct ability to rise to the occasion no matter what role he is in throughout his distinguished career, and through it all, he has served our students first and foremost,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “We’re confident that his strong leadership will continue to grow the already impressive reputation of our College of Health and Human Services.”

Garner, a former Chancellor’s Fellow at TROY, previously served three years as Chair of the University of Mississippi’s Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management. Garner moves into the role previously held by Dr. Denise Green, who became Dean of the College of Health and Human Services in 2017. Green is returning to the classroom as a professor in the college.

“Dr. Green and the previous leadership have done an excellent job of establishing the College’s solid foundation,” Garner said. “I am excited about the opportunity to build upon this great work by supporting faculty, staff and students as we strengthen our existing programs and develop new opportunities that highlight the health and service needs of others.”