Kimberly Coapstick, a senior, athletic training and psychology double major and a native of Merritt Island, FL, has been recognized as “Student of the Block” at Tusculum College for her campus leadership.
The College’s Office of Student Affairs recognized Kimberly with its “Student of the Block” award for the sixth block of the fall semester during a ceremony on March 30. She was presented a plaque detailing her achievements and campus involvement by Dr. Bill Garris, assistant professor of psychology. The plaque will be displayed on the “Wall of Honor” outside of the Student Affairs Office in the Niswonger Commons.
Dr. Garris nominated Kimberly for this recognition due to her academic achievement, outstanding commitment to excellence and determination to keep going no matter the road ahead.
Kimberly is a 2004 graduate of Merritt Island High School, where she was a member of the soccer team, the German Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Business Leaders of America.
As a former Pioneer soccer player, Kimberly was highly interested in functions of the body, and chose to pursue a degree in athletic training with the hopes entering the medical field after graduation. Kimberly chose athletic training due to her personal experience in rehabilitation after a knee injury in high school and resolved to aid others through preventative and rehabilitative services.
Kimberly added psychology to her academic repertoire after completing an elective course and discovering her interest and ability in the field. She made the difficult decision to delay her graduation by one year in order to complete the second major. She has been recognized as a Psychology Department Search Committee member, an Alpha Chi Honors Society member and Executive Council member as secretary and a National Alpha Chi Honors Society member. Kimberly plans to continue her education after graduation in the physician assistant program at Nova Southeastern University in Orlando, FL.
When asked to think upon her experience a Tusculum and the memories she has collected during the past five years, Kimberly most enjoyed “being a member of the women’s soccer team, working with the Tusculum College football team as an athletic training student and having the opportunity to attend academic conferences for athletic training and psychology.”
“Sometimes life is not only the best teacher; it can also serve as a good advisor, if you’re willing to listen”, said Dr. Garris of Kimberly’s ambition. “She’s truly deserving.”
In his nomination, Dr. Garris noted Kimberly’s numerous professional associations, Tusculum College campus involvements, and awards, including the Tusculum College Athletic Training Society, the National Athletic Trainers Association, the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society, the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association, the National Iota Tau Alpha Athletic Training Honors Society, the Athletic Training Student of the Year, the Charles Oliver Gray Scholar’s List, the National Dean’s List, the Pinnacle Award (which awards the student with the highest score on the annual Athletic Training comprehensive examination at Tusculum College) and the Tusculum College Community Service Award.
With all of these accomplishments behind her, Kimberly looks forward to her bright future of a rewarding and fulfilling career, establishing herself in a practice and enjoying interaction with her patients. Tusculum College will lose a wonderful student but gain an important alumnus in Kimberly, as she returns to her native Floridian roots to capture her dream.
