SRU’s Williams receives athletic trainer service award

Aug. 11, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Jackie Williams, Slippery Rock University associate professor of athletic training, has received the Athletic Trainer Service Award from the National Athletic Trainers' Association. The award honors her contribution to the profession through volunteer and teaching service.

Williams, who joined SRU in 2007 and coordinates the athletic training program, said she is passionate about teaching because she enjoys helping students prepare for careers in the expanding athletic training field.

"To see the students become successful, to see them pass certification exams and get their first job, it just gives you a feeling that you've made a difference," Williams said. "Receiving this award is a great honor and very humbling."

Athletic trainers are health care professionals that collaborate with physicians to optimize activity and quality of life for both physically active and sedentary patients. The field encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and intervention of emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations and disabilities.

In addition to traditional employment fields, practitioners now have employment opportunities within industrial settings, aeronautics, the military, performing arts and public safety (police and firefighters) departments.

Williams is a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association and Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society. She has served on the NATA Ethics Education Project Team and as an NATA Ethics Judicial Panel member. She reviews manuscripts for the International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training and is an advisory committee member of the NATA Athletic Training Education Journal. She has also served as chairperson of the PATS Education Committee.

Williams received a bachelor's degree in athletic training from Minnesota State University, a master's degree in health and physical education from Central Washington University and a doctorate in education from the University of Idaho.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu