University of Oklahoma Athletics
Anderson Takes National Leadership Role
November 04, 2009 | Athletics
NORMAN, Okla. -- Scott Anderson, Head Athletic Trainer for the University of Oklahoma, has been appointed the new President for the College Athletic Trainers Society (CATS) by its board of directors.
The College Athletic Trainers' Society represents certified and licensed athletic trainers employed by colleges and universities across the country. Members include athletic trainers who provide healthcare for NAIA, NCAA Divisions I, II, III and junior college student-athletes.
Anderson who has been the Head Athletic Trainer for Oklahoma since August 1996, will become the fifth president for CATS.
"I am honored to be appointed president of the College Athletic Trainers' Society," says Anderson. "This is an organization dedicated to the professional and personal life of the college athletic trainer as we expand the margin of safety for our student-athletes in sport."
The organization, founded in 1992, developed its mission to help its members provide quality care, address health and welfare issues for student-athletes, focus on the needs and concerns of members and work to improve the quality of life of college athletic trainers.
"This is a very exciting time for our organization," said CATS outgoing President Josephine Lee. "The support for CATS has grown tremendously over years. I am confident Scott Anderson will help lead and elevate this society to new heights.
"His contributions toward addressing the health and safety of student-athletes have been proven through his work on the Inter-Association Task Forces for Sickle Cell Trait in Athletes, Safety in Football for Off-Season Conditioning and Exertional Heat Illness."
Anderson is a head athletic trainer, who supervises eighteen staff members, a family man, husband and a father of three children.
"Scott's leadership and support for his staff is second to none. He encourages efficient time management, which allows us the flexibility to enjoy a healthy balance of professional and personal commitments." adds Robert Fulton, Assistant Athletic Trainer who works football with Anderson.
Raising awareness is among the goals Anderson has in his new position.
"I look forward to working within the leadership of the Society and the membership with the goal of serving and supporting the College Athletic Trainer as we elevate the esteem and influence of these professionals and their profession," he said.
Anderson's career began as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the University of Oklahoma. He then served as the Head Athletic Trainer at Tulane University from 1987- 1996.
In 1997, Anderson returned to the Oklahoma Sooners to become Head Athletic Trainer. In addition, to his work in Inter-Association Task Forces, Anderson also serves as chair of the Education Program for the Big 12Medical Aspects of Sports Committee and is actively involved within the athletic training profession.
"Scott's thoughtful and aggressive approach to meeting the challenges of his profession have made him a leader not only on our campus, but nationwide," said OU Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione. "We have long appreciated his efforts on our behalf, and we applaud CATS for making him the organization's president."
OU Head Football Coach Bob Stoops added, "Scott's professionalism and expertise are extremely important to our program. In a leadership role on a national level, he will be a valuable resource in setting the course of the organization and modeling for others the outstanding job he has done for Oklahoma."
Anderson will replace outgoing CATS President Josephine Lee who recently accepted the position of Executive Director for the organization.
