TSU Kinesiology Boasts Hall of Fame Professor

Professional, dedicated, respected, deserving…These are simply a few of the many positive words which have been used by faculty members, students, and colleagues alike to exemplify and describe Dr. Steve Simpson in the Tarleton State Kinesiology Department. As of this past weekend, Simpson was inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association (SWATA) Hall of Fame in Houston, Texas. According to the association, The SWATA Hall of   Fame was developed for the purpose of “honoring members whose dedicated service, past achievements, and professional contributions have furthered the advancement of SWATA and the athletic training profession as a whole.” This hall of fame is the highest honor that a member can achieve and few have been awarded this remarkable recognition. Hall of Fame qualifications established by SWATA include a minimum of 15 years in the profession, a certified member in good standing, elected, appointed, or volunteer service to the association, and the member must be or have been a member of District VI.

However, Dr. Steve Simpson does not simply meet the requirements or scarcely qualify for this high esteem. He has proven time and time again through his diligence, immense contribution to the field, and passion for his line of work that he is truly everything that the SWATA Hall of Fame aims to represent. He not only meets the criteria, but he exceeds the criteria. Dr. Jennifer Lancaster, Assistant Professor at Tarleton State and assistant to Simpson in the sports medicine program, describes Simpson as one who has “touched the athletic training profession in many ways. His selfless contributions have advanced our regional organization and have profoundly impacted the lives of so many athletic training students and young professionals.” When asked about the specific qualities which set him apart in his profession, Lancaster states, “I think most would agree that it is Dr. Simpson’s heart and passion for people that make him an incredible athletic trainer, colleague, mentor, and friend.”  And Lancaster is not the only one who believes Simpson is worthy of the award. Tarleton State University’s Athletic Director, Lonn Reisman describes Simpson as “professional and respected not just on campus, but statewide and nationally as well.” Simpson dedicated his profession to supervising the sports medicine faculty and staff who are responsible for academic and clinical education of the sports medicine students in addition to serving the athletic health care of the student athletes at Tarleton State University. He has devoted his time and energy into ensuring that his students receive a thorough education while he eagerly promotes the health and safety of the athletes on campus.

Not only is Dr. Simpson an appropriate inductee for the 2015 SWATA Hall of Fame award, but he is a humble man of integrity who has proven himself to be a commendable athletic trainer and leader. His passion, and devotion to his students and athletes has shone forth as he has illustrated yet another way the Kinesiology Department here at Tarleton State is promoting the total well-being of students and building fearless champions.