(Photo by Kevin Seifert)

Kevin Guskiewicz was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on April 8, 1966. He currently resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he serves as chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was initially appointed interim chancellor of the university in February 2019, after the resignation of Carol Folt. On December 13, 2019, he was appointed chancellor by the Board of Governors.

Guskiewicz graduated from West Chester University with a degree in athletic training. He continued his education with an M.S. in exercise physiology/athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in sports medicine from the University of Virginia.

He joined the UNC-CH faculty in 1995, teaching in the exercise and sport science department. Throughout his time at the university, Gukiewicz has continued to research exercise-related concussions. His research has earned national attention and won multiple awards. 

In 2011, Guskiewicz received the MacArthur Fellowship for his “important role in raising awareness about the prevalence and dangers of sports-related brain injuries.” In 2013, Time magazine referred to him as one of the “innovators and problem-solvers that are inspiring change in America.” Guskiewicz is also a Kenan Distinguished Professor of Exercise and Sports Science and a co-director of the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center. His research has contributed to concussion guidelines for organizations such as the NCAA and NFL.

As chancellor at UNC-CH, Guskiewicz has maintained an active role in research while taking on challenges that face the entire university. Most recently, he has helped students and faculty transition to online education due to the COVID-19 outbreak.