Christopher D. Lantz

Chris Lantz was inducted into the College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2020.

Lantz earned a Doctor of Education in sport behavior from West Virginia University, a master’s degree in sport psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

He began his professional career as the founding director of a hospital-based community wellness center before transitioning to higher education. At Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., he served as professor and chair of the Department of Health and Exercise Sciences from 2002 to 2012. He later joined the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he held leadership roles, including director of the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences and associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Health and Human Services. In these positions, he oversaw new program development, accreditation processes, curriculum, enrollment initiatives, and partnerships that expanded access to healthcare and applied learning opportunities.

Lantz has been recognized with multiple professional honors, including membership in the James F. Merritt Million Dollar Club at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (2024), the Robert M. Taylor Professional Service Award from the Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (2005), and the organization’s Scholar of the Year Award (2001). He has also contributed nationally through service on boards and committees with the Association of Applied Sport Psychology, the American Red Cross, the Blue Ribbon Commission for the Prevention of Youth Violence, and the Council for Undergraduate Research.