I have long appreciated the importance of postgraduate education and its role in building meaningful, sustainable careers. However, that goal was delayed for more than 20 years as I managed business ownership, raised a family as a single parent, and focused on personal well-being. My colleague and mentor, Emily Splichal, PhD, recommended the Master of Science in Kinesiology program through A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS), and I immediately felt it was the right choice. The asynchronous format was a breakthrough, enabling me to engage deeply in learning while maintaining balance and fulfillment.

The outstanding faculty immediately supported me. My student advisor, Jodi Gamm, became a trusted guide throughout my studies, and the Kinesiology Chair, Tracie Rogers, PhD, sparked curiosity and critical thinking while being available to lend support from my very first course. That level of accessibility and care set the tone for my entire experience at ATSU-CGHS.

The faculty’s ongoing encouragement inspired me to be the best student I could be—not only for my own growth but also out of deep respect for the instructors who fully supported me and my cohort. Several faculty members became mentors, providing valuable insights into professional paths and what life after a Master of Science in Kinesiology might entail. As a result, I became a stronger student, researcher, and academic writer.

The Master of Science in Kinesiology, with a concentration in Exercise and Sports Psychology, profoundly shaped how I think, teach, and practice. The program strengthened my ability to integrate movement science, psychology, and human performance while reinforcing a systems-based, whole-person approach to health. My ATSU-CGHS education shaped not only my career but also my sense of purpose, ultimately leading me to earn a PhD in Performance Psychology. Today, I’m thankful to give back to ATSU-CGHS as an adjunct faculty member, a member of the Dean’s Innovation Advisory Committee, and Chair of the Alumni Advisory Board.