I discovered early in my undergraduate education that a career in athletic training is my life's calling. I thoroughly enjoyed working as a clinician for 10-plus years in secondary school, collegiate, and military settings. However, I always had personal and professional goals of transitioning into academia at some point in my career.

I began the Doctor of Athletic Training program at ATSU with this goal in mind. I graduated with my MS in Kinesiology from ATSU, and my positive experience in that program made the University my first choice for pursuing my doctoral education. The curriculum, specialized concentration track choices, flexibility of the asynchronous online format, and the prestige of the faculty all drew me back to ATSU.

During my time in the DAT program, I was able to continue working as a clinician full-time and advance my clinical skills, while simultaneously preparing for my future career goals. Shortly after graduation, I was offered a faculty position in a master’s of athletic training program. My position required a doctoral degree, and I would not have been eligible for my dream job without my DAT.

I am so proud of the accomplishment of earning my doctoral degree, grateful for the career opportunities it has made available to me, and appreciative of the support I received from ATSU faculty and staff during my time in the program and beyond! I still maintain a relationship with my research advisor, and he has been an incredible mentor as I transition into my role in academia. Pursuing my DAT at ATSU has been one of the most pivotal decisions of my career. Every day that I get to come to work to teach the next generation of ATs, I am so glad that I made this investment in myself and committed to earning my doctorate!