I am very excited to be able to come back to my alma mater, Ohio University, to serve as a faculty member in the new Professional Masters of Science in Athletic Training Degree program. I have fond memories of my time in Athens, OH during undergrad and the mentors that helped me transition into the world of higher education. I have literally come full circle and all the experiences and educational training I endured the last 18 years has prepared me well for this new position as Director of Clinical Education. I am excited to help usher our program into the next era of AT education!
The support of the faculty and graduate students in the Ed.D. program at UNC Greensboro (UNCG) helped me to finish strong with the dissertation defense process. I was able to network with classmates and alumni to obtain leads for jobs all over the country and my dissertation committee members have supported me to prepare research abstracts for professional conferences. The courses in Program Design (KIN 762) and Curriculum Development (KIN 731) really helped me understand the depth and breadth of curriculum design which has helped immensely in my current job as AT programs are currently transitioning from an undergraduate degree to graduate degree program. Additionally, the Field Practicum course (KIN 714) allowed me the opportunity to take advantage of resources within my local university to develop a role in planning events for the Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice, which later became the focus of my dissertation.
It can be challenging to balance responsibilities with a full-time job and also completing a doctoral degree online, but know that you have a wealth of knowledge and resources at your fingertips in the faculty and the student network in this program. Everyone is willing to help and support each other because we know the challenges of higher education and also the benefits that your advanced learning has on the communities you serve. We know It is a hard, but worthy endeavor!
The Ed.D. in Kinesiology program at UNCG is designed well to allow students flexibility to blend program learning goals with resources at their current workplace setting. I truly appreciated being able to come together with so many professionals from different work settings but all with the same goals of advancing teaching, leadership and advocacy in the study of human movement.