Dr. Robert C. Karch
Chair of the Department of Health and Fitness and Executive Director of the National Center for Health Fitness

Robert Karch has been a member of American University faculty since 1969. He is the Chair and a professor in the Department of Health and Fitness. He is also the founder and Director of both the Masters of Science program in Health Promotion Management and the University's National Center for Health Fitness.

Dr. Karch teaches the two capstone courses in the graduate program, strategic planning and a research seminar course. He has authored more than thirty articles for research and lay publications, several book chapters, and he has done extensive research in the areas of worksite health promotion and the cost and benefits of worksite health promotion programs.

Aside from his University responsibilities, Dr. Karch is a Past-President and currently a member of the Board of Directors for The National Fitness Leaders Association, as well as a Board Member for the American Council on Exercise. Dr. Karch received the University's Faculty Award for Outstanding Contributions to Academic Program Development in 1983 and again in 1988 as well as the Distinguished Faculty Award presented by the Mortar Board for Outstanding Leadership and Scholarship in 1982. He has also received numerous National Awards including the Exceptional Leadership Award in 1991 by the Association for Fitness in Business and The Healthy American Fitness Leaders Award in 1984 by the Presidents Council for Physical Fitness and Sports, the US Jaycees and Allstate Life Insurance Company. In addition, in 1983, Bob became the first recipient of the U.S. Army's Commanders Award for his work with the Army's Health and Fitness Programs.

Dr. Karch's areas of interest include the development, implementation, operations, and evaluation of employee health promotion programs. He maintains a very active schedule of teaching, writing, researching, and consulting in these areas. He is a frequent guest lecturer and speaker throughout the U.S. and has delivered major presentations in five foreign countries.

Vita - Curriculum Vitae for Dr. Robert C. Karch