Professor David Lavallee

Head of the School of Sport

Professor David Lavallee was appointed Head of the School of Sport at the University of Stirling in July 2011.  

With a Master’s degree in Psychology from Harvard and a PhD from the University of Western Australia, David is recognised worldwide for his research into the transitions sports participants experience across their career. His research on this topic has focused on enhancing participation rates among adolescent sport participants, making the transition from junior to senior level in competitive sport, the psychology of sport injuries and retirement from professional sport. His other research interests include support for student athletes and the use of sport as a vehicle to teach life skills.

He has given numerous keynote conference addresses, authored and co-authored over 100 publications and has a track-record in public engagement events. With regard to professional service, he is the Founding Editor of Sport & Exercise Psychology Review, Associate Editor of International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, and Editorial Board Member of International Perspectives on Stress and Coping, Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, and the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. He is an Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Responsibilities

The Head of School is the senior academic officer of the School, responsible for all aspects of its academic performance.  The Head is the accountable manager of all staff within their school, and as such is responsible for the effective management of staff and their performance and for the discharge of all responsibilities and duties devolved to the school. The role is supported by a School Manager who is the primary support role within the school.

The Head of School contributes to the effective management of the University and represent their School both within and outside the University. They are responsible for effective communications with staff within their School and promote and execute institutional strategies and plans.