Daniel Czech

Dean of the School of Applied Sciences and Professor of Health Exercise Science and Recreation Management

• Faculty
• Staff
• Instructor

• Email:

  drczech@olemiss.edu

• Office Location:

  Deans Mayes Hall

• Phone:

  662-915-7923

Biography

Daniel Czech assumed his role as Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Applied Sciences in June 2025, bringing distinguished expertise in performance psychology, higher education leadership, and international sports development.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

As Dean at Eastern Kentucky University's College of Health Sciences (2021-2025), Dr. Czech transformed institutional culture through strategic planning and innovative leadership. Notable accomplishments include establishing the college's first Center for Retention, Progression, and Graduation which produced the highest retention rate at the university, doubling grant procurement, quadrupling the donor base, and doubling foundation resources. Dr. Czech previously served as an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine at Samford University, Associate Dean at Georgia College's College of Health Sciences, and held progressive leadership positions at Georgia Southern University for nearly two decades, including Full Professor and Honors Chair, Graduate Director, and strategic committee leadership roles.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

A prolific scholar, Dr. Czech has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles, authored 4 books, and contributed to 9 book chapters. His research portfolio spans emotional intelligence in leadership, positive psychology interventions, psychological skills training, and post-pandemic health behavior strategies. He has secured over $6.5 million in research funding and garnered over 1,350 citations on Google Scholar. His academic excellence has been recognized through multiple teaching and research awards, and he has delivered more than 120 presentations globally as a keynote speaker for universities.

PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING

Dr. Czech is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (Emeritus) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, having consulted with professional athletes across the NFL, PGA, NBA, and MLB. His distinguished background includes serving as International Ambassador for Major League Baseball, developing sports programs and conducting performance psychology clinics in 58 countries. His corporate consulting portfolio includes Fortune 500 companies, where he applies evidence-based psychological principles to optimize workplace performance and enhance leadership development.

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Dr. Czech's leadership philosophy is anchored in the COAT framework—Cohesion, Optimism, Accountability, and Trust—which creates psychologically safe environments where team members feel accepted, respected, and empowered to take interpersonal risks. This evidence-based approach fosters the conditions necessary for enhanced team performance, productivity, creativity, and innovation. He is committed to advancing the School of Applied Sciences through this unified framework, innovative mentorship programs, research infrastructure development, and strategic industry partnerships that prepare students for leadership in their respective fields.

• School

  School of Applied Sciences

• Campuses

  Oxford