Dr. Žarko Krkeljaš, PhD, currently holds the position of Director of Athletics at Duke Kunshan University, a role that he has filled since the inaugural undergraduate year of 2018. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport Science Barry University in Miami, USA, his Master’s in Sports Biomechanics also from Barry, and his PhD in Movement Science from North-West University in South Africa. His academic journey has been complemented with extensive real-world experience as an athlete and a coach, which provided the foundation for his commitment to student enrichment through athletics. With a robust record in athletics and academia, Dr. Krkeljaš has long been an advocate for the transformative power of education beyond the confines of the classroom. His impassioned belief in the myriad of benefits stemming from sports participation has been shaping the physical education, sports and fitness programs at Duke Kunshan University. As an academic, he has authored a number of academic papers on biomechanics, sport performance, and health and wellness. As the first employee of the DKU Athletics Department Žarko has been the architect behind trailblazing initiatives that embed fitness and sports within the university's educational ethos. He established the diverse PE curriculum that not only promotes physical activity but integrates components of cultural and language learning for all students. Students have 33 different PE classes to choose from, with students taking at least 1 course each semester. “DKU Moves” is a flagship program of community building through physical activity in which all DKU community members, students, faculty and staff, record their activity for the day, and convert their workout into kilometers. Last year, DKU Moves collected over 165,000 kms, far bypassing the goal of reaching Duke in the US, and enough to walk around the Earth 4 times! This program reflects his philosophy of community engagement through physical activity. Student-sport clubs and Varsity teams do not just help build a community spirit, but also instills critical life skills. He firmly believes that traits honed on the field — such as leadership, fair play, and strategic thinking — translate into the workplace and beyond. With the expansion of DKU’s Phase 2 campus, Žarko has overseen the development of the new state-of-the-art Sport Complex resulting in surge in student-led sports events and community participation in recreational activities. Over the last few years, Athletic’s staff and coaches have facilitated partnerships with local and national sports organizations, expanded intramural leagues, and championed the university sports teams to compete at higher levels. Žarko is often invited to speak at conferences and seminars, where he shares his insights on the integration of physical education into academic life. He also consults with organizations and professionals on wellness program that impact personal and organizational wellness and performance. Together with his dedicated team at Duke Kunshan University, Dr. Krkeljaš continues to work tirelessly towards his goal of engraining the positive impact of sport and fitness values into every student’s educational journey, thereby setting them up for success in their personal lives and future professional careers.