TSA’s Head Athletic Trainer, Jody Burnett has been selected as Georgia College and State University’s first ever “Athletic Training Preceptor of the Year.” The honor is bestowed upon one exceptional athletic training preceptor who has been nominated by his/her student athletic trainers. The recipient of this award is selected based on the comments shared by nominators as well as the programmatic influence. Burnett has served as a Preceptor for GC&SU since 2002 and has played a critical role in the education of the university’s athletic training students over the years.
“Jody is invaluable to our program. As a former student of his myself, I love that his passion and education have come full circle in my career as Program Director for our Athletic Training Program,” commented Dr. Mandy Jarriel. According to Dr. Jarriel, the clinical education component of the athletic training program at GC&SU comprises almost one third of the athletic training curriculum. Furthermore, preceptors teach and evaluate a large percentage of the student clinical proficiencies. “Without our dedicated preceptors, we could not provide students with such a diverse array of excellent rotation opportunities as they prepare for transition to practice,” stated Jarriel.
Several student athletic trainers commented on Jody’s enthusiasm for his profession, ability to push his student trainers out of their comfort zones, service as a preceptor and mentor, and capability to exemplify what it means to be completely selfless and a team player. “Jody is one of the most encouraging and down to earth preceptors that I have ever had. He is able to tell you like it is, but he does it in a manner that does not cut you down. He is always there to build you back up and make you a better, faster, stronger, athletic trainer,” stated one student nominator.
“I’m thankful for this honor, and I’m grateful for our partnership with Georgia College. The student athletic trainers have always been an extension of my hands so to speak. For me to be able to teach them while also guiding and trusting them to take care of our Tattnall athletes has been paramount in the success of our athletic training program,” stated Burnett.
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