Submitted by: Lori Moss

Introduction

On the National level of Athletic Training, Dr. Colston is the research liaison for the NATA Professional Responsibility in Athletic Training Committee. On the State level, she is the Vice President of TATS, as well as the chair member of the Ethics Committee. On the community level, Dr. Colston is a tenured professor and Department Head of Health and Human Performance at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Education

Notable Honors

· UTC/CHEPS 2019-2020 Elizabeth Dalton Award, August 2021.

· Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society, Hall of Fame Induction, March 2021.

· Eastern Michigan University Distinguished Alumni Award, May 2019; Ypsilanti, MI.

· NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer; NATA, June 28, 2017 in Houston, TX.

· UTC/CHEPS Outstanding Service/Outreach Award; University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, April 2015 Exceptional Merit; University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, March 2015

Journal of Athletic Training Kenneth L. Knight Award for the Outstanding Research Manuscript, 2015

· Educator/Administrator of the Year Award; Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association, March 2013·

·Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society; Jerry Robertson Educator of the Year Award, January 2012

· National Athletic Trainers’ Association Service Award; National Athletic Trainers’ Association 61st Annual Meeting; Philadelphia, PA., June 2010

· Student Government Association – Most Outstanding Professor Award; UTC, May 2010

· Outstanding Teaching/Advising Award; UTC; CEAPS, Fall 2004

· Graduate School Advisor Award; University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 2004

· Research and Scholarship Award; CEAPS, UTC, April 2001

· Outstanding Faculty and Staff Service Award; Graduate Student Association, UTC, 200

How did you get here, the story behind how you got into athletic training?

“As a college student-athlete, our athletic trainer was exceptional at recognizing and addressing psychosocial issues. There were horrific hazing issues occurring within our team that took a hard emotional toll. Our athletic trainer recognized that the situation within the team was very bad. She counseled me and helped identify academic scholarships so that I no longer needed the athletic scholarship. I immediately started learning under this amazing athletic training mentor who went above and beyond for me. I knew I wanted to do that for others.”

Memorable moments in the profession?

“Working a college bowl game; traveling and seeing amazing places; meeting amazing people; seeing good friends become NATA Hall of Famers; student successes; leading the research team for the NATA PRAT committee to identify athletic training shared professional values”.

Favorite aspect of athletic training?

“Observing the proverbial ‘lightbulb' come on in athletic training students as they start connecting advanced concepts and applying them to clinical practice.”

Contributions to the community, research, educational programming, outreach, etc?

“Developed the, then called entry-level, now called professional level, graduate program in athletic training at UTC in 2001, which became accredited in 2003. Having the privilege of educating athletic training students for 23 years at UTC and watching them excel throughout their careers. Injury prevention research through risk assessment and predictive modeling. The 5 year NATA shared professional value journey has been incredible as well”

Any words of wisdom to share with young professionals or anyone in general?

“Identify your values and stand by them personally and professionally, otherwise, you may likely fall for anything. Priorities should align with your values. My priorities are: faith, family/friends, work, ministry, and in that order.”

Hobbies or interests outside of sports/job?

Exercise and outdoor activities, refurbishing old furniture, studying Hebrew

The best way to spend an “off day”?

Family and ministry, provide tours at the Everlasting Nation Museum.

Any other fun facts you would like to share?

“My husband Jon is a talented musician, and current guitar player for an up and coming country artist. My son Alex, loves missions and the military and is currently in the Civil Air Patrol (aka, Junior Air Force). Our Beagle, Ziva, is a theatrical drama queen and my Siamese mix, Bucky, is part Komodo dragon.”

Impact on the Community

“Throughout the 22 years I have worked with Marisa, she has consistently demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the best interests of students, athletes, and the athletic training profession. The lives of innumerable people have been positively impacted by her integrity and unselfish willingness to help anyone in need.”

Dr. Gary Wilkerson
NATA and SEATA Hall of Famer
UTC Professor

“When reflecting on my time as a student under Dr. Colston, for me that period was one of those rare life experiences where I realized I was learning from one of the best people I'd ever met in life. Dr. Colston is the example to follow. Not only as a leader, educator, and a healthcare provider, but also as an all around person of family, values, ethics, and service. I couldn't be more appreciative of having her as a professor, mentor, and leader to follow. The knowledge and skills I've learned from her paved the way for the personal and professional life I have today.”

Andrew Wilson, MS, ATC

Graduate 2020.

Orthopedic Surgery Research Coordinator

University of Tennessee College of Medicine

“Dr Marisa Colston is an outstanding leader, educator, athletic trainer, and individual who believes the best way to train and work with others is to model best practices and behaviors yourself. She is the consummate professional, always prepared, and willing to step up when the need arises. If a student or a colleague is facing difficulties, whether personal or academic, Dr. Colston is first to offer her assistance or support. Her professionalism is matched by her ethics, her passion, and her compassion!”

Valerie C. Rutledge, Dean

College of Health, Education & Professional Studies

Marisa Coltson, Ph.D., ATC