ODU ESPER Faculty Member Wins NATA Service Award

Bonnie Van Lunen, associate professor of exercise science, sport, physical education and recreation (ESPER) in Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education, will receive the National Athletic Trainer Association Service Award at the NATA national convention in June.

The award recognizes NATA members for their contributions to the athletic training profession and the association. Although this is a national honor, local, state and district service is the focus of this award, given for state and district participation and leadership; service to the athletic training profession at the state and local levels; community volunteerism at the state and local levels; and building awareness and education.

"Bonnie is receiving the award for her outstanding service, particularly chairing the post-professional graduate program accreditation committee for the NATA," said ESPER chair Bob Spina. "Bonnie has provided pre-eminent leadership on a number of additional committees for the organization."

Van Lunen earned her master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Virginia. She began her career as an assistant athletic trainer and assistant professor at Canisius College, also spending part of her career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She serves as the director of the NATA-accredited Post-Professional Graduate Athletic Training Education Program and of the Human Movement Science Doctoral Program.

Nationally, Van Lunen chairs the Post-Professional Education Review Committee on Accreditation as well as a subcommittee on establishing residencies in athletic training. Her primary research interests focus on post-professional education issues, such as surveying graduates, employers and mentors on influencing factors for program choice and placement.

She lives in Southern Shores on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with her husband, John, and their three children.

The ODU Department of Exercise Science, Sport, Physical Education and Recreation prepares professionals dedicated to the promotion of health and human movement. It is nationally known for its innovative programs and progressive leadership in preparing high-quality professionals in the areas of athletic training, exercise science, health and physical education, recreation and sport management.