Joan Rocks

Joan Rocks serves as Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Health & Sport Sciences at Otterbein University, leveraging over 32 years of athletic training experience exclusively in educational roles. Her teaching philosophy centers on building foundational student competencies in trust, critical thinking, and lifelong learning within athletic training education.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration (minor: Educational Psychology) from The University of Toledo (2004)
• M.S. in Physical Education with Athletic Training specialization from Canisius College (1987)
• B.S. in Sports Medicine from Marietta College (1986)

Research focuses on educational theory applications in athletic training, particularly Student Involvement Theory, Transfer of Learning variables, and Self-Directed Learning methodologies. Her work examines how pedagogical approaches impact student development and clinical competency acquisition in health professions education.

Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary reach across sports medicine, behavioral science, and educational psychology, with recurring themes in athlete health monitoring, injury prevention, and professional development of health students. Key contributions address NSAID use in athletes, injury risk factors in female track athletes, and mental health considerations in collegiate sports.

Major honors include:

• Ohio Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame (2016)
• Otterbein Master Teacher Award (2010)
• Ohio Athletic Trainer of the Year (College Division, 2004)
• Linda Weber Daniel Outstanding Mentor Award (2006)
• Faculty Advisor of the Year for Epsilon Kappa Tau (1998)

As Epsilon Kappa Tau faculty advisor and mentor award recipient, she demonstrates sustained commitment to student development. Her educational leadership extends to departmental administration while maintaining active research in pedagogical innovation for athletic training education.