NiCole Keith

NiCole Keith

PhD Research Scientist & Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs

Dr. NiCole Keith is a physical activity researcher specializing in community-based participatory research with a focus on health equity. She co-created the Physically Active Residential Communities and Schools (PARCS) program — a partnership among Indianapolis Public Schools, Eskenazi Health Federally Qualified Health Centers and IUPUI. This award-winning program provides exercise opportunities for more than 3,000 adults and children living in Indianapolis inner-city communities. It also serves as a teaching, research and learning resource for IUPUI faculty and students.

Dr. Keith is the 2020-2021 president of the American College of Sports Medicine organization of more than 55,000 members. Dr. Keith is the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance vice president. The NPAPA is a coalition of national organizations that have come together to promote physical activity in the American population. Her current research examines ways to improve physical fitness and health as individuals age. She has dedicated her career to positively influencing health outcomes for socio-economically challenged  community residents.