LesLee Taylor

LesLee Taylor, Ph.D., is the Assistant Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs at the University of Kansas School of Health Professions and an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training. She serves as Department Vice Chair and led the development of KU’s master’s program in athletic training. Taylor previously held roles at Texas Tech University, including founding their master’s athletic training program, which was the first at a health sciences center. Her leadership roles include serving as President of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (2017–2019) and on the Board of Certification’s exam development committee.

Education Background: Taylor earned a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Kansas (1993), M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Arizona (1995), and Ph.D. in Adult Education from Texas Tech University (2001).

Research Focus: Taylor’s scholarship emphasizes program development, leadership (especially for women), and issues of belonging in healthcare education. She has published on curriculum design, clinical anatomy (e.g., cervical nerve root studies), and educational interventions addressing structural competency and diversity.

Professional Honors: Recipient of the NATA’s Athletic Trainer Service Award (2015) and Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award (2018), plus the 2015 CAATE Young Investigator Award. Her work includes over 20 years of clinical experience in athletic training and consulting roles in sports medicine.

Leadership & Advocacy: Spearheaded accreditation standards through CAATE, promoted holistic admissions in health professions education, and contributed to ethical guidelines for athletic training programs. Active in national organizations such as the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions.