Durham, NH: As a part of the 2019 NHATA State Meeting and Clinical Symposium Dr. Wanda Swiger N.H.LAT was presented as the winner of the 2019 New Hampshire Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Dr. Swiger serves as the program director for Keene State College’s Athletic Training program.
Dr. Swigers nominators had this to say about her.
Dr. Swiger is not only a role model for athletic training students, but also for her KSC colleagues.
As both an advisor and a colleague, Dr. Wanda Swiger has been a beacon of academic inspiration in the field of athletic training. Every year for the decade-plus that I’ve known her, she serves as a role-model of knowledge and professionalism for everyone she interacts with, students and colleagues.
Her dedication and care for her students is immeasurable. The students that I have worked with been strong clinically and they are constantly being challenged to think outside of the box, thanks to Dr. Swiger’s high academic and professional standards. Even as a preceptor, I have learned so much from her and I am thankful I have gotten the opportunity to work with her for the last 7 years.
Dr. Wanda Swiger can be described in many ways including but not limited to; passionate, caring, intelligent, tough, and dedicated. All of the adjectives that describes Dr. Swiger sums up why she is a role model to all students or athletes that are lucky enough to be around her on a daily basis.
I was blessed to have been taught by her for the four years of my college career. Not only is her passion inspiring but her skill and knowledge is like having a personalized textbook. She pushes you beyond your capacity to teach you that you are more than capable and she pushes you so hard you begin to believe in yourself and your future.
Dr. Swiger has been one of the most influential people in my entire life. She has always made it a point to teach her students material needed for the class as well as lessons that can be applied to everyday life.
As a mentor, colleague and friend, Dr. Swiger has helped me become a better athletic trainer and a better teacher. She has an innate ability to help any athletic trainer she works with, or even meets, to provide the highest level of care. It is through her open minded and curious approach to athletic training and continuing education that pushes students and professionals alike. A staunch believer in the power of kinesiology and the truth in principles of movement, there are the foundation of her approach to practice and to teaching. Dr. Swiger is always asking “why.” She pushes students and athletic trainers to answer this basic and vital question of the care we provide. It is with this one, simple question that she makes such a tremendous impact. It is with this one, simple question that she is able to improve the quality of care patients receive across the spectrum.
Congratulations Dr. Swiger and thank you for your contributions to the profession of Athletic Training in the state of New Hampshire and beyond.
