The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) is honoring Micki Cuppett, Ed.D., ATC, for her service to the profession of athletic training. Cuppett is an Associate Professor in the USF College of Medicine and also serves as Director of the Educational Design & Technology Office of Educational Affairs in the College of Medicine. During the association’s annual clinical symposium held June 28-30 in Anaheim, California, Cuppett was among the award winners- the ceremony ocurred before athletic training professionals from across the country. Prior to her current role in the USF College of Medicine, she was the director for the Athletic Training Education Program, formerly in the university’s College of Education. She also volunteers and serves as a consultant on numerous projects as an expert on athletic training. According to NATA officials, the “Athletic Trainer Service Award” bestowed on Cuppett recognizes NATA members for their contributions to the athletic training profession and the association. Although this is a national honor, local, state and district service are the focus of this award.

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From L to R: Barbara Morris, MS, ATC, CSCS Assistant Director SMART; Honoree Micki Cuppett; Jeff Konin, PhD, ATC, PT, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Executive Director SMART and Matt Huber, ATC, SMART Institute.

“It is a great privilege to receive this award”, said Cuppett. “I am humbled to be included in this group of previous award recipients who have done so much for athletic training. I’m so proud to be a part of the USF Athletic Training Education Program, which is the first in the country to be housed in an orthopedic department. It’s bringing more opportunities to our students, both in terms of learning and employment. Our athletic training students tell us they’re excited about interacting with students in other disciplines of USF Health. Learning and working with each other to provide quality patient care is empowering to them and to us, as educators of athletic training.”

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) was founded in 1950. Recognizing the need for a set of professional standards and appropriate professional recognition, NATA has helped to unify certified athletic trainers across the country by setting a standard for professionalism, education, certification, research and practice settings. Since its inception, NATA has been a driving force behind the recognition of the athletic training profession. Once housed in Greenville, NC, NATA now is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Today, its global membership totals nearly 30,000.

“It is truly an exciting time for sports medicine at USF Health”, said Cuppett. “The S.M.A.R.T. Institute at USF Health and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in our college of medicine are making an impact in the community, the state, and are emerging as a national model for Sports Medicine. “

For more information on the Sports Medicine & Athletic Related Trauma (SMART) Institute at USF Health, click here.