Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University’s commitment to preparing skilled and ethical healthcare professionals received regional recognition this month as Chris Clark, director of the university’s Master’s in Athletic Training Program, received the 2026 Education/Administration Award from the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association.
Clark was honored during the organization’s Annual Meeting held February 5–7 in Atlanta. The award recognizes athletic trainers who demonstrate leadership in both education and administration while making significant contributions to advancing the profession.
According to SEATA, the Education/Administration Award is presented to members who are actively committed to teaching athletic training skills and serving in leadership roles within their institutions. Recipients must also be certified members of SEATA, licensed in their respective states, and able to demonstrate meaningful educational or administrative impact within the organization.
Clark said the recognition reflects the work of many individuals who have contributed to the program’s success.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the 2026 SEATA Education/Administration Athletic Trainer Award,” Clark said. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the numerous students, colleagues, and mentors who have shaped my journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the education, leadership, and advancement of the athletic training profession. Furthermore, this award represents my passion for developing future athletic trainers and advancing our profession and reminds me why I chose this profession — to serve, educate, and positively impact the next generation of athletic trainers. I am thankful for the support of my family, students, colleagues, and mentors — particularly the administration, fellow educators, and students at Jacksonville State University.”
Clark also highlighted the collaborative nature of the program’s work and recognized Jennifer Savage Burgett, the program’s Coordinator of Clinical Education.
“I also want to add my sincere thanks to Dr. Jennifer Savage Burgett, who is our Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCE), for our program,” Clark said. “She is awesome and does so many things for our program, CHPW, Kinesiology, and our students.”
Under Clark’s leadership, Jacksonville State’s Master’s in Athletic Training program has continued to build a reputation for academic rigor and hands-on clinical training. The program prepares graduates to work with athletes and physically active individuals across a variety of healthcare and sports settings.
Tracey Matthews, dean of the College of Health Professions and Wellness, said the award reflects both Clark’s leadership and the program’s broader impact.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Chris Clark for being recognized as the Education/Administration Awardee by SEATA,” Matthews said. “This well-deserved recognition highlights his exceptional leadership, passion for athletic training, and tireless dedication to advancing the profession. Dr. Clark’s impact is felt far beyond our campus, and we are proud to see his work honored on a regional stage.”
University officials said the recognition highlights Jacksonville State’s continued investment in healthcare education and its role in preparing future athletic training professionals across the Southeast.
