“The profession of athletic training requires the utilization of evidence-based practices, working with diverse populations, and being grounded in theories based on hard science principles. My goal for students is to provide a wide-variety of real-life scenarios and hands-on experiences that encourage them to think critically, discover and develop a passion for life-long learning, and constantly challenge themselves to improve.”

Title

Director of Graduate Health Sciences and Professor of Athletic Training

Educational Background

• M.S., Illinois State University – Normal, IL
• B.S., University of Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN

Year Joined Franklin

1990

Expertise

Evaluation of athletic injuries; pharmacology

I transitioned from the athletic side of athletic training to the educational side because I discovered that I loved teaching and we had a need for an accredited program. Since starting our educational athletic training program, there have been over 150 Franklin College athletic training graduates employed across the country. The focus of my teaching is on content while providing my real-world experiences to help students learn and apply the material.

Selected Professional Accomplishments

Professional Experience

2018, Director of Graduate Health Sciences, Franklin College
2014, Professor of Athletic Training, Franklin College
2000, Medical Staff – Olympics, Sydney, Australia
1998, Medical Staff – Pan Am Games, Manitoba, Canada
1990, Head Athletic Trainer, Franklin College

Service

Immersive term study away courses

• Greece – January 2017
• Dublin, Ireland and London, England – January 2015

Growth of Health Science Division by adding an Exercise Science major and the college’s 1^st Master’s Degree program in Athletic Training
Strategic Planning Committee Member – 2013
Indiana Athletic Trainer’s Association Quiz Bowl Chair – 2010 – 2015
Journal of Athletic Training – Reviewer

Presentations

“Antibiotics – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,”presented at the Indiana Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Fall Business Meeting and Clinical Symposia, Muncie, IN, October, 2016
“The BOC Exam Revisited,”presented at the Indiana Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Fall Symposium, Indianapolis, IN, October, 2006
“What to look for in a College/University Athletic Training Education Program,”presented at the Indiana Pacers Student Athletic Trainer Workshop, April, 2005
“Diversity in the Olympics,”presented as part of the Franklin College Convocation Series, Franklin, IN, November, 2000

Selected Scholarship

Diagnosis and Management of Elbow, Wrist and Hand Injuries; Perspectives in Athletic Training; Elsevier/Mosby Publishers; 2009
CAATE accreditation – Athletic Training Program, 2003 and 2013

Honors and Awards

National Athletic Trainers’ Association Athletic Training Service Award
The Clifford and Paula Dietz Award for Faculty Excellence
Indiana Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame
Indiana Athletic Trainers’ Association Athletic Trainer of the Year
Indiana Athletic Trainers’ Association President’s Excellence Award

Grants

Dietz and Rinker awards
Technology Grant awards

What Students Say

“Kathy is a great instructor who prepared me not only to pass my BOC, but also to be confident enough in my skills to handle any situation in my future profession.” – Bryce Wellin ’16

“Kathy is a fantastic teacher who challenges her students to think critically. She passes on the clinical experiences she had with the Olympics and as the first Franklin College athletic trainer to her students in order for them to be in the best possible position to succeed. She is always willing to answer questions and is a great role model for all the athletic training students.” – Thaddeus Broderick ’16

In My Spare Time

In my spare time I love to be outside, garden and can, workout, play with my dog, be active, camp, boat and do activities with my family.