Two students from the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) were recently awarded scholarships by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) Research and Education Foundation. Hannah Stedge, MS, ATC, CKTP, and Kim Barber Foss, MS, ATC, LAT, CCRP, are students in the Athletic Training concentration of the PhD program.
Stedge was awarded the NATA District Seven Gary Delforge Scholarship. The scholarship, which was established in 2009, provides an annual monetary sum of $2,300 to a qualified athletic training (AT) student from NATA’s District Seven.
For Stedge, the scholarship aids her pursuit of furthering her education. “Any doctoral education is a financial investment. My husband and I are both striving to obtain our PhDs, so any scholarship assistance helps me complete my education quicker,” said Stedge.
“This scholarship, and others I have received, will also help set me apart from my peers when it comes time to look for a tenure track position as an educator,” she added.
Stedge also expressed how moved she was to receive this award. “To be awarded a scholarship by NATA is such a huge honor, and I am humbled to receive this recognition,” said Stedge.
Barber Foss, the other scholarship recipient, won the GLATA Living Memorial Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship, also established in 2009, provides three annual monetary awards of $2,300 to qualified AT students from District 4, in entry-level, masters, and doctoral programs.
For Barber Foss, the award reaffirms her decision to pursue a doctorate. “I have been an AT for 30 years and the recognition from the Foundation with this scholarship really helps validate my decision to return to school for my PhD.”
Pursuing higher education is often a challenge financially, so scholarships like these help students who are striving to further their education and careers. “As a single mom with two kids in college—as well as myself obviously—the scholarship is a tremendous financial boost.”
Athletic Training Concentration Track Director and Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Malissa Martin, EdD, ATC, discussed the significance of the scholarships.
“We have had eight total PhD Athletic Training students receive NATA doctoral scholarships and there have been two years where we have had two receive this honor in the same year such as this year—2021,” said Martin. “This national recognition of our PhD AT students clearly provides evidence that we enroll high-quality individuals who are dedicated to the profession of athletic training and are willing to dedicate time to improve themselves and their profession to make a better experience for others.
Barber Foss echoed Martin’s sentiments, adding, “Maybe earning this scholarship will reflect positively for RMUoHP as it shows that the school produces high caliber students.”
Stedge credits RMUoHP for helping her earn the scholarship. “The writing skills I learned and utilized at RMUoHP helped me create a competitive scholarship application,” said Stedge. “Also the networking I have done at RMUoHP helped me form relationships with faculty members who were willing to write excellent letters of recommendation on my behalf.”
Martin explained that Stedge and Barber Foss receiving these scholarships “demonstrates that we [as a University] encourage our students to pursue excellence.”
She added,”The RMUoHP PhD program, with its committed faculty, provides the foundation to prepare and nurture scholars for the profession, and these same individuals will lead change and make a difference.”
