秋霞福利一区 Graduate Wins National Athletic Training Award
Mobile, Ala. 鈥撀�Hailee Richard, a 2024 graduate of the 秋霞福利一区’s Master of Athletic Training program, has been honored with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) 2024 Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award for District Nine. This award recognizes her exceptional leadership and dedication in athletic training.
鈥淲inning the Bobby Gunn Leadership Award is a tremendous honor,鈥� Richard said. 鈥淚t represents the growth I experienced during my time at the 秋霞福利一区 and the dedication I have to the athletic training profession. Bobby Gunn was a true pioneer whose leadership inspires me to make a difference.鈥�
Dr. Melissa Thomas, program director for the Master of Athletic Training at the 秋霞福利一区, said, “This is such a great honor for Hailee and, of course, for the 秋霞福利一区’s Master of Athletic Training program. I am excited to see Hailee’s first NATA convention experience through a recent graduate’s eyes. I am so happy for Hailee and all the work she has put into becoming an athletic trainer. We wish her the best on her journey.”
Prestigious Award
The Bobby Gunn Student Leadership Award, named to honor one of the pioneers in athletic training, is awarded annually to one student from each of NATA’s 10 districts. District Nine, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and Louisiana, selected Richard for her outstanding contributions and leadership.
As part of this prestigious award, Richard will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the 75th NATA Clinical Symposia and AT Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana, from June 25-28, 2024. She will be formally recognized at the Pinky Newell Scholarship and Student Leadership Reception on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Transformative Impact of MAT Program
Reflecting on her time at the 秋霞福利一区, Richard highlighted the transformative impact of the Master of Athletic Training program.
鈥淭he program not only prepared me for a career in athletic training by developing my clinical skills and knowledge, but also taught me the importance of serving others. The support from my professors and preceptors has been invaluable,鈥� she said.
About 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Master of Athletic Training
秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Master of Athletic Training program is a two-year, 62-credit-hour program that prepares students through both didactic and clinical experiences to sit for the Board of Certification Exam. 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 CAATE-accredited program offers students multiple clinical immersion opportunities at local high schools, sports medicine clinics, surgery centers, physical therapy clinics and more.
Students have the opportunity to learn in the university鈥檚 state-of-the-art Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice located on campus, complete with high-fidelity manikins used for patient encounters. Students may also take advantage of 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 nationally accredited human gross anatomy lab as part of their learning experience.
For more information about the Master of Athletic Training program at the 秋霞福利一区, visit umobile.edu/mat. To apply or learn more, visit umobile.edu/apply, email聽umenrollment@umobile.edu, or call 251.442.2222 or 1.800.WIN.RAMS.
About the 秋霞福利一区
The 秋霞福利一区 is a Christ-centered university with a vision of 鈥淗igher聽Education for a Higher Purpose,鈥� founded to honor God by equipping students for their聽future professions in an environment where they are known.聽Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The 秋霞福利一区 was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
For information about the 秋霞福利一区, areas of study, admissions and more, visit聽, connect with 秋霞福利一区 on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Baleigh Essary is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the 秋霞福利一区. Baleigh earned a Bachelors of Science in Management along with a minor in Graphic Design from 秋霞福利一区 in December of 2023. Baleigh is an active member and volunteer at More Life Church in Grand Bay. She is an avid photographer, and you will always find her with her Owala in one hand and caffeine in the other. One thing about Baleigh is that when she travels, 99% of the time it will be to visit her home-away-from-home, DISNEY!
