Andi Bender completed her Master of Science degree in Athletic Training from Indiana State University in 2004 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Ohio University in 2003. From 2004-2005 she completed a post-graduate fellowship with the US Olympic Committee in Marquette, Michigan working with the US National Speed Skating, Wrestling, Boxing and Weightlifting teams. She has held roles in higher education as a Clinical Education Coordinator and faculty member teaching in several CAATE-Accredited Athletic Training programs throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Recently, she served as faculty member at Radford University (2018-2020), assisting the AT program in their transition from an undergraduate program to a graduate level professional athletic training program. She has taught courses in the Allied Health Science major at Radford University and advised students applying for graduate degrees in the health professions. She assisted in planning the bi-annual Waldron College of Health Sciences Interprofessional Education and Practice Symposium as well as developed moderator training for the faculty involved. Andi is currently completing her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Kinesiology through the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her doctoral research involves exploring interprofessional education and collaborative practice in AT programs with a focus on the preceptor experience in the clinical learning environment. She has published and presented research nationally and locally on a range of topics including cryotherapy and exercise, gastrointestinal disorders in athletes and unique patient case studies. She is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA), and Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association (VATA) serving on various committees for educational program planning and student affairs over the years.

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