Associate Dean Holly Schmies was awarded the 2014 Wisconsin Athletic Trainers’ Association (WATA) Outstanding Educator Award at the organization’s annual meeting in Eau Claire on April 4.
Schmies has been teaching at UW-Stevens Point since 2000 when she held a split position between academics and clinical services. She has since worked as the clinical coordinator and program director of the athletic training program since 2005. Most recently, Schmies was promoted to associate dean of the School of Physical Education & Athletic Training (PEAT).
She is also the chair of the WATA Student Affairs Committee, a member of the UWSP Undergraduate Research Grant Committee, faculty adviser of the UWSP Sports Medicine Club and a member of the Health Science Advisory Committee.
According to Associate Lecturer Beth Kinslow who nominated Schmies for the award, “Holly has earned the respect of the athletic training students by showing that she does not simply care how they do in a class or on a test, but truly wants to help them succeed personally and professionally.”
This award recognizes a member of the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers’ Association (WATA) for his/her outstanding contribution to the education of Athletic Trainers and/or Athletic Training Students in Wisconsin. This award can recognize those involved within CAATE accredited educational programs, but can also include members serving as clinical instructors at off-campus affiliated sites (high schools, clinics, other college/university). This award can also include those members who have contributed significantly to creating and developing continuing educational programs at the local, state, regional and/or national levels, as well as other continuing education opportunities.