University of Central Arkansas Athletics

MS-University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
BS-New Mexico State University

David Strickland has been the head athletic trainer and athletics health care administrator at the University of Central Arkansas since his arrival in July of 1998. Since that time, he has been directing all aspects of the sports medicine program. He currently oversees a staff of eight full-time athletic trainers, and is responsible for supervising and administering the medical coverage for UCA's 18 NCAA Division I athletic teams, the medical care of over 500 student-athletes, and the operation of two sports medicine facilities.

In addition to his athletic and administrative responsibilities, David is also a graduate faculty instructor in the masters of science athletic training program at UCA. David has over 27 years teaching experience in sports medicine and athletic training. His area of expertise is with head, neck, and spine injuries as well as clinical courses which covers the on-field emergency management and care of athletic injuries.
 
David has drawn from his wealth of experience throughout his career in the athletic training profession to provide his student-athletes with the best possible medical care and his athletic training students with the best education possible. After graduating with his BS in Athletic Training Education from New Mexico State University, David became the first ever full-time head athletic trainer at Carlsbad High School in New Mexico. He then pursued a graduate degree in Human Performance at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse where he was a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the Division III Football National Champions and provided medical coverage for the NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Cross-Country National Championships. His first post professional full-time position was the Director of Athletic Training and Head Athletic Trainer at National American University in Rapid City, South Dakota where he was also the head athletic trainer for the international basketball champions Black Hills Posse Semi-Professional Basketball team.

A firm believer in the role athletic trainers play in health care and in the importance of the profession itself, David has dedicated much of his free time to being a leader. In 2008, David was appointed by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe to the Governor's Council on Fitness, a position which is held indefinitely. He has been highly involved in the Arkansas Athletic Trainers' Association-serving on the Governmental Affairs Committee, testifying before senate and house committees to support and defend several Arkansas athletic training bills directly related to the health care of student-athletes in the high school settings as well as improving the practice of licensed athletic trainers in the state of Arkansas. He has served as AATA President and has served eight years on the executive board for AATA. David has also served on the executive board for the Southwest Athletic Trainers'; Association as the Arkansas Representative and was re-elected for a second term, serving 4 years on the SWATA executive board. David also served as a test site administrator for the NATA Board of Certification exam.

Volunteering has been a big part of David's professional career. He was selected to work at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, working with the United States top athletes in wrestling, Judo, Taekwondo, and weightlifting. David was then selected to be a member of the

U.S. Olympic Committee's Medical Staff for the Titan Games, an international event in San Jose, California, working with Taekwondo, Shot Put and Discus. David was again invited to work at the Chula Vista, CA Olympic Training Center, working with USA track and field, rowing, rugby, and BMX sports. David worked with both able body and disabled athletes. David also has experience working with professional football players spending two summers and pre-seasons as an athletic trainer for the New Orleans Saints.

David has also volunteered his time for various other events throughout his career serving as the medical coordinator for the National College Finals Rodeo Championships, Bull Riders Only Tour, the South Dakota High School State Wrestling Championships, and Medical Coordinator for the Mount Rushmore International Marathon which hosted over 800 participants.

David's contributions and years of service to the state of Arkansas and the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association was rewarded as he was given the National Athletic Trainer Service Award in 2012. In 2014 David was inducted into the Arkansas Athletic Trainers'; Association Hall of Fame. In 2017 David received the Arkansas Athletic Trainer of the year award. In 2022 David received the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award from the Southwest Athletic Trainer's Association as well as receiving the highest honor in District 6 by being inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame.

David is currently a member of the National Athletic Trainers'; Association, the Southwest Athletic Trainers'; Association, and the Arkansas Athletic Trainers'; Association.

David and Donna Strickland have been married since 1991 and reside in Conway, AR.