Happy Valley Times

Lock Haven University issued the following announcement.

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) has announced Dr. Eric Lippincott, LHU associate professor in the Health Science Department, as their new athletic training commissioner. Lippincott will assume his seat on the commission in September.

In his 20 years at LHU, Lippincott has led the athletic training program through several significant changes. After assuming the role of program director in 2004, he shepherded the program through successful accreditation site visits in 2006 and 2013. Subsequently, Lippincott led the program’s transition from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree in 2016. The transition process included a full proposal to the University Council of Trustees, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and a substantive change degree request to the CAATE.

Under his leadership, the graduate program has seen significant growth over the last four years. He is now leading the program through a full curricular review in preparation for the 2020 Accreditation Standards. Lippincott currently teaches several undergraduate health science courses, graduate athletic training courses and works clinically in the on-campus rehabilitation center. He serves on both the department and university curricular committees and recently participated in a year-long university leadership forum.

In his almost 15 years volunteering with the CAATE, Lippincott has been an accreditation site visitor for the last 13 years; a member of the CAATE review committee for six years, serving as team lead for three years; he was chair of the quality assurance committee from 2017-19; has served on the review, quality assurance and standards committees as well as the ad hoc site visitor selection committee.

“My volunteer work with the CAATE has provided me an intimate knowledge of the accreditation standards for athletic training education,” Lippincott said. “As program director of the graduate athletic training program at LHU, it is vital that I stay informed of industry trends, professional changes and best practices for educators, and what better way than serving in a leadership capacity with the accrediting organization.”

Last fall, the CAATE put out a call for commissioners, specifically looking for an individual with expertise in professional program education. Lippincott submitted an application, which was reviewed by the selection committee. Applicants were interviewed, and two finalists were selected for vote. Each accredited athletic training program was given a vote and Lippincott was notified in April of his win.

“I look forward to working alongside other leaders in the profession to assess and improve the quality of athletic training education that occurs across the country,” Lippincott said.

As commissioner, his duties will include monthly conference calls to discuss the business of the organization and make accreditation decisions. He will attend semi-annual in-person meetings for on-going review of accreditation standards and practices, assist in the development of CAATE strategy governance and policy and provide input to the CAATE specifically as it pertains to higher education and impacts on faculty, students and administration of accredited institutions.

The CAATE accredits three levels of programs: professional and post-professional programs and residencies. The primary duty of the 14 commissioners is to confirm the quality of education happening at all three levels. But also, education drives the athletic training profession forward, and so the Commission has a responsibility of setting a long-term vision for the profession.

“My service with the CAATE has, and will continue to have, a direct and positive impact on the MS-AT program at LHU,” Lippincott said. “I feel strongly that my service to the CAATE has improved the AT program at LHU and also my skills as an educator and program director. It has also provided me countless opportunities for professional connections and networking.”

For more information about the CAATE, visit https://caate.net/.

For more information on Lock Haven University, visit www.lockhaven.edu, email admissions@lockhaven.edu, or call 570-484-2011. 

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Lock Haven University’s main campus is located on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in the scenic mountains of Pennsylvania. The university offers 49 undergraduate majors and certifications with 47 minors and five graduate programs.

LHU is a member of Pennsylvania’s State System, the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 2,300 degree and certificate programs in more than 530 academic areas of study. Nearly 520,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

Original source can be found here.