For 24 years, Dr. Shari Bartz-Smith has spent her career at Grand Valley State University and is an Associate Professor and Program Director of Athletic Training in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. Prior to her position as Program Director at GVSU, she held the positions of Head Women’s Athletic Trainer and Assistant Head Football Athletic Trainer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). 

She earned her Doctoral degree in Health Promotion and Health Education from the University of Alabama and UAB in 2003. Current research interests involve athletic training practices in the secondary school setting.