The Department of Sports Medicine and Athletic Training (SMAT) at Missouri State University is thrilled to welcome new faculty member W. David Carr, Ph.D., ATC. Effective August 2013, he has joined the department as a full-time assistant professor and has teaching responsibilities at both the graduate and undergraduate level. His expertise across the field of Athletic Training adds to the depth of research and education our program offers.
Dr. Carr explains that his motivation in coming to MSU is for the “opportunity to be a part of one of the original accredited programs with a rich history in the field. I also was looking for the opportunity to work with well-respected colleagues in an academic structure that values our profession.” Prior to coming to MSU, he was part of Athletic Training Programs at the University of Tulsa and most recently, the University of Kansas.
Take a minute to get to know some things about Dr. Carr!
What is your favorite thing about working with students/the classes you teach?
I get tremendous satisfaction from working with students and seeing them grow and mature through their education. Further satisfaction comes from watching them enter the field and become successful professionals.
What are your professional goals?
My professional goals are to continue teaching in an accredited education program while pursuing possible administrative roles within the university.
Why did you go into Athletic Training?
I got into Athletic Training for some of the many common reasons of my colleagues; discovered the profession after suffering an injury in high school, wanting to be part of a team where I can help others, and a fascination with how the body works.
What are your future professional involvement goals/plans?
My professional involvement/service goals are to be active at the state, district, and national levels. My mentors demonstrated that you get out of the profession what you put into the profession. I have found the more involved I get the more satisfied I am.
What is something outside of class content that you hope students will learn from you?
I hope that student will learn more from me than just lecture content. I hope that they will learn that it is important to be happy in life and find a balance between work and family. Its’ not good enough to just be content, find a place that makes you truly happy.
Tell us about your family and some hobbies outside of work.
I have a wife of nine years (Amy), two children (Elizabeth “Lizzy” is 7 and Jack is 5). I enjoy hanging out with the family, working around the house, and video games.