May 28, 2015
SVSU's Berry earns athletic trainer awards
Saginaw Valley State University's David Berry, professor of kinesiology, has earned two honors for his work in the athletic training field.
Berry was named the 2015 Distinguished Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Michigan Athletic Trainers Society as well as a 2015 Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association.
“It's an honor to be nominated by previous students and to be part of a distinguished class for both organizations,” said Berry, who has worked at SVSU for five years.
Both awards recognize individuals who demonstrate commitment to leadership, volunteer service, advocacy and professional activities as an athletic trainer.
Students in SVSU’s athletic training program are well-prepared to succeed in their field. During the most recent exam cycle, all six graduates passed the Board of Certification national exam necessary to become a certified athletic trainer, giving SVSU a 100 percent pass rate. In addition, more than 30 students have presented research at conferences across the nation over the past four years.
“We're a strong program because we try to balance course work with real world practical experience and research,” Berry said. “We try to use a three-pronged approach to allow students to get a comprehensive education that they can apply to their patients to improve their patients' outcomes.”
Students in the athletic training program are required to engage with the community outside of the classroom by gaining practical experience with a health care provider. They assist in athletic training at Delta College, local high schools, and outpatient rehabilitation clinics.
“Our students are very visible in the community,” Berry said.
Both organizations will host events where Berry will accept the awards. The Michigan Athletic Trainers Society symposium is scheduled Friday, June 5, at Ypsilanti's Eagle Crest Resort. The National Athletic Trainers Association meeting is Thursday, June 25, in St. Louis, Missouri.