“In the world of sports, where every second counts, and every detail matters, the pursuit of excellence is a relentless endeavor. Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated professionals works tirelessly to push the boundaries of human performance, driven by a shared passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. At Meredith College, this spirit of excellence has taken center stage, as the Sport Science Association has been recognized with a prestigious national award, cementing its reputation as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the field. In this article, we’ll delve into the remarkable story of how this remarkable team of students, faculty, and alumni came together to achieve this outstanding achievement, and what it means for the future of sport science.”
Dr. Mary Johnson: A Champion of Campus Wellness
Dr. Mary Johnson is committed to creating a culture of wellness at Meredith College. After completing a bachelor of science degree in molecular biology at Meredith College, Johnson pursued an accelerated bachelor of science degree in nursing, a master of science in nursing as a family nurse practitioner, and a doctorate of nursing practice at Duke University. She returned to Meredith in November 2015 after working for several years as a provider in primary and urgent care settings and led a large program to promote vaccine registry use in urgent and convenience care clinics.
At Meredith, Johnson is a member of the college incident management team, wellness advisory committee, safety and health committee, and various campus task forces related to student wellness. In addition to her campus committees, Johnson currently serves on the board of the Southern College Health Association and the planning committee for the NCICU Health Directors. She has previously served on the National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities (BHAC) board of directors, the North Carolina Immunization Coalition committee, and the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society board of directors.
Johnson is also an advisor for the Peer Educators Advocating Responsible Lifestyles—a student-led initiative that addresses health topics related to college students, and a preceptor for nursing students from the University of North Carolina and Duke University School of Nursing. In 2017, she was elected to the board of Duke Women’s Impact Network (WIN), and she hopes that her work with WIN will help engage more women in volunteer and philanthropic leadership positions.
In 2018, Johnson received the Clinical Practice Excellence Award at Duke University and was recognized for her work related to college health and wellness programming. In 2019, she received the New Professional of the Year award from the Southern College Health Association for outstanding work and contributions to college health in her first five years in the field.
Johnson received the National Wellness Institute’s wellness practitioner certification (CWP), which symbolizes an individual’s strong academic preparation, professional competency in wellness programming, and commitment to continuing education, scholarship, and professional development. She continues to use her knowledge to influence her practice and campus education.
In 2021, Johnson received the college’s Staff Recognition Award for helping lead the college’s pandemic response. That same year she joined the American College Health Association’s Leadership Institute and was part of the first cohort for the College Health and Wellness Professional Certification. The certification program brings together college health and wellness professionals in the areas of administration, clinical services, health promotion and wellness, and mental health and reflects the American College Health Association’s multidisciplinary approach to college health and wellness.
Personal Life
Johnson enjoys traveling, autocrossing her MINI, and attending Duke sporting events. Dr. Johnson lives in Apex with her husband, Brice, and fur children: Grant (Great Dane) and Hurley (Hound-mix) both named after Duke Basketball legends.
Implications and Practical Aspects of the Award
The national award for the Meredith College Sport Science Association is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the association and its members. It also highlights the college’s commitment to excellence in student success and wellness.
The award has significant implications for the college and the association. It provides a platform for the college to showcase its excellence in student success and wellness, and it provides an opportunity for the association to collaborate with other organizations and institutions.
The award also reflects the college’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education that includes academic, social, and personal development. The college believes that student success is not just about academic achievement, but also about physical and mental health, and the award recognizes the college’s efforts in this area.
Practical Aspects of the Award
The award opens up new opportunities for the college and the association. It provides a platform for the college to collaborate with other institutions and organizations, and it provides an opportunity for the association to share its expertise and knowledge with others.
The award also provides a sense of validation and recognition for the college and the association. It acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the association and its members, and it provides a sense of pride and accomplishment for the college.
The award is also a reminder of the importance of student success and wellness. It highlights the need for institutions to prioritize student success and wellness, and it provides a model for other institutions to follow.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the Sport Science Association’s remarkable achievement in winning the national award at Meredith College, it is essential to reflect on the significance of this accomplishment. Throughout this article, we have highlighted the tireless efforts of the students, faculty, and staff who have worked collaboratively to establish the association as a beacon of excellence in the field of sport science. We have also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the complexities of human performance and the impact of sport on individuals and society.
The implications of this achievement extend far beyond the confines of the college campus. The Sport Science Association’s victory demonstrates the power of innovative thinking, dedication, and collaboration in driving progress. It serves as a testament to the transformative potential of education in shaping the next generation of leaders, researchers, and practitioners in the field of sport science. As we look to the future, we can expect to see the association continue to push boundaries, explore new frontiers, and inspire a new wave of students to pursue careers in sport science.
In conclusion, the Sport Science Association’s national award is not only a badge of honor but a clarion call to action. It reminds us that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey, and that requires collective effort, creativity, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. As we celebrate this achievement, let us also acknowledge the responsibility that comes with it – to continue to innovate, to inspire, and to push the boundaries of what is possible. For in the words of the great Nelson Mandela, “Sport has the power to change the world; it has the power to inspire, to unite people in a way that little else can.”