John C. “Jay” Garner, PhD, CSCS*D

Dean of the School of Health Related Professions

Dr. John C. “Jay” Garner is the fifth dean of the School of Health Related Professions.

Garner earned his PhD in Biomechanics and his Master of Science in Exercise Science/Lipid Metabolism from Auburn University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Delta State University, while completing an All-American baseball career. His area of research is the biomechanics of human movement in work and sports settings, specifically focusing on footwear and posture mechanics. He has a strong reputation for scholarship with his research works recognized through invitations to serve as an editorial board member for several journals, session chair for both regional and international conferences, textbook reviewer, invited author for a biomechanics textbook, and expert consultant for several trade magazines. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS*D) and has worked with numerous collegiate, Olympic and professional athletes in movement analysis.

Dr. Garner spent the previous seven years at Troy University, first as chair of the Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion and then as Dean of the College of Health & Human Services. During his time at Troy, he became one of five people selected as a Troy University Chancellor’s Fellow by the Institute of Leadership Development.

Previously, he worked for the University of Mississippi in Oxford for nine years, within the Department of Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management, where he served various roles, including Director of the Applied Biomechanics Laboratory, Graduate Program Director, as well as Department Chair. Among his numerous distinctions at Ole Miss, he was named a Fellow of the Academic Leadership Development Program of the Southeastern Conference.