Dr. Mary Meier 2022 IATS Hall of Honor Inductee

Dr. Mary Meier currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor and Athletic Training Program Director at Iowa State University (ISU). In 1997, the educational pathway to become an athletic trainer changed, and the Iowa State University Athletic Training Program was highly regarded and established for many years. Wanting to continue and enhance the program, Mary became the program director and oversaw the transition to receive full external accreditation. This new undergraduate curriculum, including clinical experiences both on- and off-campus, required external accreditation. Mary wrote the self-study and the program received initial accreditation in April 2001. The athletic training program has recently faced the need to transition again as certification as an athletic trainer now requires a master’s degree. Mary provided her leadership in transitioning the program and elevating the curriculum to a graduate program. Over the past four years, she has overseen the transition of the athletic training program completed in December 2021, with the re-accreditation peer review by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

In addition to serving as program director, Mary teaches courses in the athletic training program. From freshmen in the pre-athletic training (pre-AT) program, to 2nd years in the graduate program, she advises 87 students (61 undergraduate and 26 graduate), mentors pre-AT and graduate students, and serves the athletic training profession at the university, state, and national levels. At the university level, Mary has served on numerous department and college committees as both a member and chair. At the state level, Mary has served as the IATS Executive Committee Secretary, oversees medical coverage for the Iowa Summer Special Olympics, and serves as the Medical Coordinator for the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament. Mary’s service at the national level has been extensive. Since 2003 she has been a CAATE Peer Review member including, chair, team member, and reader. Additionally, she is a member of the CAATE Peer Review team (reviews peer reviews completed for programs seeking accreditation or re-accreditation). Education is at the core of Mary’s professional agenda, and in 2019 she took on the role of NATA Workgroup Committee Chair for Reshaping Education paper.

Those who know Mary love her dynamic personality and connect with her passion for life and the profession of athletic training. She is a fantastic human, and is truly a joy to spend time with. Mary has established herself as a prolific athletic trainer, educator, and mentor. Her students know her as a fantastic educator, mentor, person, and friend. This is a testimony to her impact on the profession at the local, state, district, and national levels. Mary has had a huge and positive influence on athletic training, and there is no one more deserving of this distinguished honor. Congratulations Mary on being the 2022 IATS Hall of Honor Inductee!!