Dr. Galen Duncan, Ph.D., LMSW, was named UIC’s first-ever Senior Associate Athletics Director of Health, Wellness and Performance in September 2021.
Known as the ‘Development Doctor’, Duncan provides leadership for all aspects of student-athlete wellness and performance, including athletic training, athletic medicine, mental health, nutrition, and data analytics.
Duncan arrived in Chicago after four years as Vice President of Kings Academy and Professional Development for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. He was directly responsible for the implementation of a player-centric curriculum that aligned organizational philosophies and ideals to help athletes mature into well-rounded professionals. During his time in Sacramento, Duncan created an organization-wide mental health awareness and treatment program.
He continues to be integrally involved in the NBA Rookie Transition Program. This immersive experience is an on-the-job training with industry professionals to help the league’s newcomers learn to navigate the areas of newfound wealth and the professional standards required to be successful in the NBA. Not only are the rookies provided resources and mentored by current and former NBA players, but also by mental health professionals on how to help them be the best they can be.
Duncan previously served as the Senior Director of Player Development for the NFL’s Detroit Lions for more than a decade. He helped NFL players with financial education, internships and professional development opportunities, and mental health counseling. He oversaw an intensive rookie transition program, which included education on financial literacy, business etiquette, social media branding and more. Duncan served as a liaison between the NFL’s league office and the NFL Players’ Association and as a member of the Player Development Steering Committee.
Duncan has also worked as a consulting therapist and counselor for college athletics departments at Wayne State and Detroit Mercy, as well as the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). For 12 years from 2001-13, Duncan was a Captain with the United States Army Reserves Neuropsychology Team in Southfield, Mich., where he provided stress and anxiety training to soldiers around job-related issues.
A graduate of Lake Superior State University, Duncan received a Bachelor of Science in human services in 1994. He would go on to earn a Master of Social Work with a concentration in mental health, and a graduate certificate in alcohol and drug abuse studies from Wayne State in 1997. In 2006, Duncan gained a Ph.D. in health psychology from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn. He returned to Walden as its commencement speaker in 2019.
Duncan is married to wife, Monica, and the couple has two children, Geordon and Mikayla.
What They’re Saying About Galen Duncan
“Galen brings cutting-edge perspective of integrating athlete performance and wellness. His unique ability to identify key performance indicators as they relate to the holistic wellness of the athlete is a tremendous addition to UIC Athletics.”
- Troy Vincent, Sr. – Former NFL defensive back; Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the National Football League
“Galen Duncan is one of the most passionate people I’ve ever met. He has spent countless hours behind the scenes shaping the minds of young men and women so we are more equipped for our next chapter in life. His work ethic and his ability to immerse himself in the task at hand is second to none. He is a friend to many, but is more like family to me. Galen, or as I call him ‘G,’ is truly one of a kind.”
– Nate Burleson – Former NFL wide receiver; host CBS Mornings & The NFL Today
“Dr. Duncan is the consummate professional. Since the first time I met him, I have continued to be amazed at his passion for making the world a better place on all levels. Congratulations to the University for this great addition to the family! UIC will benefit from his presence.”
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Ward Ulmer, Ph.D. – President (Retired), Walden University
“Galen Duncan has remained a superSTAR on and off the court. His ability to connect and impact players or advise those around them is unparalleled. His approach is disarming and his passion for helping is sincere. UIC really got a number 1 draft pick!”
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Chrysa Chin – Executive Vice President, Strategic Engagement & Development, NBPA
Learn More About Galen Duncan
Galen Duncan Tells It Like It Is
–
Center for Sports Leadership & Innovation, The University of Texas at Austin
Keynote Speech
– Walden University Doctoral Hooding Ceremony 2019
Interview with Galen Duncan
– Champions of Change: The RISE Podcast
Sacramento Kings show support for youth movement with Galen Duncan hire
– NBA.com
