Michigan State University Professor Karin Pfeiffer has been elected president of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), a leading professional organization in the fields of sports medicine, exercise science and health promotion. Founded in 1954, ACSM brings together physicians, researchers, educators and practitioners to advance research, education and practical applications related to physical activity, fitness, and human performance.

“ACSM is the world’s premier organization in kinesiology, exercise science and sports medicine,” said Department of Kinesiology Chairperson Paddy Ekkekakis. “Having Spartan scholars in leadership roles within such a respected organization speaks volumes about their expertise and the impact of their work. It is also a reflection of the national and international prominence of our department and the way our faculty are shaping the future of the field.”

Pfeiffer is an internationally recognized exercise physiologist specializing in physical activity research for children and adolescents. Her work focuses on measuring activity levels and developing interventions to increase movement, particularly in school and community settings. With close to 50,000 members across the globe, Pfeiffer will lead the direction of the organization and participate in scientific direction and advocacy for research and funding.