Nicole Dabbs, kinesiology professor and department chair, has been named president-elect of the Southwest Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (SWACSM), beginning a three-year leadership cycle in which she will serve as president-elect, president and past president.

As she explained, “Your first year is president-elect, your second year is president, and then your third year is past president.” 

As president-elect, Dabbs will lead planning for SWACSM’s 2026 annual meeting, including organizing speakers and programming. Her responsibilities will also include recruiting new board members, securing sponsorships and partnerships, and ensuring the region’s goals align with the national American College of Sports Medicine mission.

Her term began Oct. 18 during this year’s annual meeting. What inspired Dabbs to take on this leadership role was her long-standing connection to the organization. She has been involved with SWACSM since 2008, beginning as a student member, later becoming a professional member, and eventually serving six years on the board of directors before taking on her new role.

“I really like to give back to organizations that gave to me and that really made an impact in my time as a student. It’s a student-focused organization,” said Dabbs.

The Southwest region has approximately 1,300 professionals and students across six states: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.

CSUSB students remain deeply involved with SWACSM. After winning last year’s regional Jeopardy Bowl competition, the university earned the opportunity to help host this year’s annual meeting. As part of that reward, 10 CSUSB students attended the meeting for free, where they helped run registration and delivered a presentation about the university and kinesiology department — an opportunity that spotlighted the program to attendees across the region.

In addition, through supplemental funding, more than 50 CSUSB students and seven faculty members were able to attend the meeting. Together, Dabbs’ service and students’ engagement showcase CSUSB’s expanding impact within SWACSM and its ongoing support for academic and professional excellence.