R. Nathaniel Foster

Biography

Athletic Trainer, Dr. Nate Foster, joined the School of Health Sciences in 2012 to develop the post-professional master of science in athletic training (MSAT) degree.   He currently serves as the MSAT program director and associate professor. Previous to his current role, Nate served for 6 years as assistant professor of athletic training in the Indiana Wesleyan University undergraduate program.

Nate worked for 5 years at Orthopedic Specialty Institute in Orange, California.  Within that setting, Nate worked as a physician extender for Dr. Michael Shepard, a mentee of Dr. James R. Andrews of the American Sports Medicine Institute. 

Originally from Coshocton, Ohio, Nate received his undergraduate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2000, and his Master of Science degree from The Ohio University in 2001.  In 2012, Nate finished his PhD from Capella University in Sport Psychology. 

With many interests in the combination of athletic training and sport psychology, Nate’s research focused on the ability of athletes to “get into the zone” in combination with their individual faith and spirituality.  Specifically, Nate enjoys employing and discussing the methods of performance / sport psychology and positive psychology techniques within one’s everyday working environment.   Nate personally utilizes performance psychology techniques in his personal life, and attributes these methods in his ability to complete several triathlons, including Ironman Wisconsin 2017. 

As the former director of the IATA CISM (AT’s Care), Nate’s research interests have transitioned to understanding the impact and recovery of workplace traumatic experiences among health care providers.  As a result, Nate is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to be able to counsel athletic trainers, athletes, and others who need services in treating workplace trauma as well as seeking to improve sport and workplace performance. 

Interests

• Flow in Athletics (In the Zone)
• Imagery in Athletics
• Flow and Spirituality

Degrees

• PhD - General Psychology
  2012, Capella University
• MSPE - Athletic Training
  2001, Ohio University
• BS - Athletic Training
  2000, Indiana Wesleyan University