(written by 4th year student, Jenica Paulsen)

Dr. Martin is a 1982 graduate of Missouri State’s athletic training program (the FIRST graduating athletic training class at MSU/SMS!!!!).

She is currently the Department Head of Physical Education at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park.

Jenica Paulsen (JP): Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What have you been up to?

Dr. Sue Martin (SM): I am from St. Louis and attended St. Louis Community College-Meramec.  I played softball and field hockey, which led to my interest in athletic training. After graduating with my Associate’s in 1979, I transferred to Missouri State University (SMS) for my BS degree in Physical Education with emphasis in Athletic Training.   My mentors were Gary Ward and Ivan Milton. After graduating in 1982, I attended University of Central Missouri as a Graduate Assistant in the Athletic Training Program while working on my Master’s in PE with emphasis in Athletic Training.  I worked with Ron ‘Doc’ Van Dam, and graduated in August 1983.  I have been an NATA member since 1979, a certified athletic trainer since Sept, 1982, and licensed in Missouri since 1985.  After graduating from Central Missouri, I was hired at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park as a part-time athletic trainer in Athletics.

I served as certified athletic trainer for Forest Park Athletics for 19 years before accepting a full-time faculty position in January 2004.  I was named Co-Chair for Physical Education in 2007 before my appointment as Dept. Chair for PE in March 2008.  In July 2008, I was appointed Department Chair for Education & Human Services, overseeing four programs: Early Care & Education, Teacher Education, Physical Education and Human Services.  In addition to administrative duties as a Dept. Chair, I have taught numerous courses in the PE curriculum (part-time and full-time), and am certified as an instructor for  American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider and American Red Cross in First Aid and CPR/AED.   Over the years, I was certified to teach ARC swimming, lifeguarding, and water aerobics. This past October (2013) marked my 29th year with Forest Park.  This past spring, I was promoted to rank of full Professor.  

I have been married to Mike for 29+ years, have one son, Justin, who is a sophomore in high school, and a golden retriever named Amber. 

JP: Where did you pursue your doctoral degree? What emphasis was it in?

SM:   I graduated on December 7, 2013 from Maryville University with my Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership. 

JP: What are your plans following graduation? 

SM:Immediate plans are to relax and visit with family and friends over the holidays. J I will remain Department Chair of Physical Education, which moves to the Allied Health and Natural Science Division at Forest Park.   We have submitted a proposal for an Exercise Science Program.

JP: How do you think Missouri State’s ATEP help prepare you for a career in athletic training and beyond?

SM:  I am proud to say I was in the first class to graduate from the Athletic Training Program in 1982.  I had great experiences at SMS that helped prepare me for my career in athletic training as well as a faculty member in a college setting.  The coursework really prepared me for what I was to expect with in regard to evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and the organization and administration of a training room.  Organizational, administrative, and critical thinking skills were the foundation for my success as an educator and department chair.

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