R. Nathaniel Foster

Biography

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 served as the MSAT program director and associate professor until 2022 when he was named the Interim Dean of the School of Health Sciences.  Upon joining IWU in 2006, Nate served for 6 years as assistant professor of athletic training in the Indiana Wesleyan University undergraduate program.

Previously, 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 Ohio University in 2001.  In 2012, Nate finished his PhD from Capella University in Sport Psychology. In 2022, he completed a M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

With many interests in the combination of athletic training and sport psychology, Nate’s research has 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 and service professionals in high intensity situations (police, fire, paramedic, etc.).  Nate’s recent sabbatical work included providing sport / performance psychology services with the Brain Performance and Psychology Center in Indianapolis, IN.  Nate is also EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained and enjoys treating PTSD cases.  Nate has been married to his wife Erin for 20+ years, has three children (Ian, Caedmon, & Rowen) and enjoys spending time with family, triathlons, and just being outside. 

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