Tag: University of Central Oklahoma

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Central Oklahoma faculty member joins NATA Hall of Fame

Article reposted from The Edmond Sun
Author: The Edmond Sun

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) recently inducted Jeff McKibbin, an educator in the University of Central Oklahoma’s athletic training program, since 1980, an honor only four Oklahomans have garnered in the 67-year history of the organization.

McKibbin, director of Central’s graduate athletic training program, was one of seven individuals from throughout the U.S. to be honored at the association’s 68th Clinical Symposia and Expo in Houston.

“Jeff McKibbin represents the best of his kind in the field of athletic training,” said James Machell, Ph.D., dean of Central’s College of Education and Professional Studies.

“He has served UCO, his community, his state and beyond exceptionally well. I can think of no one more deserving than Jeff to be inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame.”

A native of Duke, Oklahoma, McKibbin made significant contributions to the passing of legislation to update both the Oklahoma Athletic Training Practice Act (1996) and the Oklahoma Concussion Law (2015). Other leadership roles include chair of NATA’s Government Affairs Committee and member of the NATA Political Action Committee board of directors. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame, Mid-America Athletic Trainers’ Hall of Fame and the UCO Athletic Hall of Fame.

McKibbin began as a student athletic trainer for Central while an undergraduate student, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UCO. After working as a teacher and coach at Deer Creek Public Schools, he returned to Central as head athletic trainer in 1980, a position he had for 24 years. While serving in that position, McKibbin also served as an assistant athletic director and, later, as an associate athletic director. In 2004, he moved to his current role as director for UCO’s nationally-accredited graduate athletic training education program. He played a key role in developing the program into the first accredited graduate athletic training program in Oklahoma.

The NATA Hall of Fame is the highest honor an athletic trainer can receive. Honorees are recognized for contributions that enhance the quality of health care provided by athletic trainers and advance the profession. Since inducting its first class in 1962, the Hall of Fame has 310 members.

 

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Central Oklahoma Alum Providing Athletic Training Services for Olympians

Article reposted from Edmondsu.com
Author: Edmondsu.com

Three University of Central Oklahoma alumni are providing athletic training services for top athletes this summer in preparation for national and international competitions.

Samantha Carter will travel with the 2016 USA Softball Women’s National Team through September. The team, which is part of the Oklahoma City-based Amateur Softball Association, will compete at events in Oklahoma City, McKinney, Texas, Woodlands, Texas, Tokyo and Surrey, B.C., Canada. Carter, a resident of Poteau, earned a master’s in athletic training in 2015. She previously was an athletic trainer at University of California-San Diego.

Kat King and Patrick Lawrence will be athletic trainers for men’s and women’s sitting volleyball Paralympians. The athletes will compete Sept. 7-18 at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

King, an Oklahoma City resident, earned a master’s in athletic training in 2012. She currently is a certified athletic trainer for Oklahoma City University. Lawrence, who earned a master’s in athletic training in 2013, lives in San Diego and works as program manager for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Athletic trainers help prevent injuries, as well as treat them, noted Jeff McKibbin, director of UCO’s nationally accredited Graduate Athletic Training Program.

“Each graduate will travel with their team and serve as the on-site health care provider,” McKibbin said.

“The athletic trainer can be sought out by players whether for physical or mental needs. They are a combination of a nurse and therapist who provides prevention care, immediate care and administrative duties — anything that relates to the athlete’s health.”