Lindsey Eberman

Professor, Program Director of Indiana State’s
Doctorate in Athletic Training Program

Lindsey Eberman, PhD, aspires to influence students to overcome all challenges – big or small. Since 2008, she has done just that and more as professor and program director of Indiana State University’s Doctorate in Athletic Training (DAT) program. An athletic trainer by trade, Eberman caught the “research bug” in her Curriculum and Instruction PhD program at Florida International University, she says.

“I come from a family of teachers. Ninety percent of my family are teachers, so teaching is in my blood. I knew I wanted a career in research and to educate others,” says Eberman, who also leads Indiana State’s Leadership and Professional Development degree completion program and the Instructional Leadership PhD program. In addition to her teaching, she serves as the chairperson of Indiana State’s Institutional Review Board, a role in which she oversees research activities for students and faculty.

In the DAT program, Eberman encourages students to be patient-centered, clinical scholars who understand patients’ specific health and wellness needs. She wants her students to know the why behind their decisions, to be effective communicators, and to be innovators in their work.

“I want my students to be excited about what they’re learning. I try to make learning fun but also practical for their future careers,” Eberman explains. The educator said this is accomplished through fewer lectures and more discussions, simulation projects, and research to inspire students to ask questions. She emphasizes, “I want students to be excited about research.”

Eberman knows about research. The professor has published more than 200 research manuscripts, and a large number of her publications were co-authored with Indiana State students and alumni. Much of her early research focused on heat physiology and the effects of heat injuries on athletes. More recently, she has focused her research on inclusive health care and creating inclusive work environments for healthcare providers like athletic trainers. Her collaborative research with other colleagues in the DAT program focuses on leadership development, which is also used to help Eberman create and deliver Indiana State’s Instructional Leadership PhD program and its Leadership and Professional Development degree completion program.

The degree completion program is significant for Eberman. Her sister was returning to school when she sadly passed away before she could complete her degree. Now, Eberman is dedicated to ensuring that all Sycamores can complete their degrees with plenty of academic support from faculty and staff.

“Both my mom and my sister had a nonlinear path through college, so I’m passionate about helping nontraditional students continue their education and earn their degrees,” she says. “There is so much joy in those students coming back to school with all their life experiences and realizing the pride in earning a bachelor’s degree that will change their career trajectories.”

Eberman’s commitment to student success has been recognized through numerous awards, including:

• 2017 National Athletic Trainers’ Association [NATA] Emerging Educator Award
• 2017 NATA Professional Development Excellence Award
• 2016 Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association [GLATA] Outstanding Educator Award
• 2016 Mildred Lemen Faculty Excellence Award
• 2014 Caleb Mills Distinguished Teacher Award
• 2012 Honors Faculty of the Year from Indiana State

Recently, Eberman was awarded the Clint Thompson Award for Clinical Advancement for her manuscript on clinical practice in athletic training, and the NATA Gail Weldon Award of Excellence. The latter award recognizes one athletic trainer each year who has displayed an exceptional commitment to student mentorship, professional development, and the promotion of women athletic trainers.

Weldon was a pioneer in athletic training for women, and she served as the chief athletic trainer and director of physical therapy for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. In 1974, Weldon received a master’s degree from Indiana State.

“I’m humbled to receive this honor, especially because Gail Weldon was a Sycamore. I know I didn’t get here on my own. I’m proud to be in a community of women who fight for one another and overcome challenges facing women,” Eberman says. “The purpose of the award is to mentor women. For me, that means mentoring all women, including gender minorities. It’s important to be champions for all people, but particularly those who are marginalized.”

In 2024, Eberman received the President’s Medal from Indiana State, its highest faculty honor.

Reflecting on her teaching at Indiana State, Eberman hopes students remember the opportunities provided in their education. College is a worthwhile investment in one’s future, she says, and Indiana State has faculty who believe in those futures.

“Indiana State is all about providing opportunities. I want students to know Indiana State is a part of their home, and we provide a powerful way for students to determine their future,” Eberman comments.

As Eberman attests, a passionate educator never stops learning, researching, and finding new ways to inspire students. This Sycamore finds joy in her work, and she wants her students to share in that joy and energy – wherever their futures may lead. Because committed educators wear BLUE!