Ty Goodwin, senior from Stephenville, will graduate with a double major this Saturday, December 12, from Howard Payne University. He will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training and in exercise and sport science (ESS) with all-level certification.

Goodwin wanted to attend HPU after high school but did not feel it would be possible for financial reasons. However, HPU contacted Goodwin and offered a scholarship that would make it possible for him to attend.

Goodwin started at HPU while the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) was still working on its accreditation. Through the faculty at HPU, Goodwin found athletic training appealing and hoped to pursue a certification in that area as well. When the athletic training program gained accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), he was told that the athletic training degree would become a major. So, he geared his studies toward the athletic training degree in addition to ESS with all-level certification.

In addition to classroom instruction for both ESS and athletic training, Goodwin traveled with various HPU sports teams which gave him more hands-on training opportunities, but took much of his time.

“The amount of hours an athletic training student puts in is a lot like going to school full time while working a full time job,” said Susan Sharp, certification officer and administrative assistant in the School of Education. “Ty was a hard worker and had a great attitude about the work load.”

Goodwin completed his ESS student teaching requirement at Dublin Secondary School, which is a seventh through twelfth grade campus. After graduation, he will teach at Dublin Secondary School and be the district’s athletic trainer. He stated that being a double major in ESS and athletic training offers more opportunities because he can teach part of the day and do athletic training the other part of the day.

“HPU really laid the framework for me to be certified in both teaching and athletic training,” said Goodwin.

Goodwin credits much of his success to the many relationships he fostered while at HPU. He says that all of the HPU faculty members were very helpful and flexible in helping him achieve both of his degrees.

“It’s about the relationships,” said Goodwin. “You’re not just a number.”

Mike Terrill, assistant professor of athletic training and Athletic Training Education Program director, was Goodwin’s advisor.

“Ty is an outstanding young man and has been a great student,” said Terrill. “Once Ty passes the Board of Certification exam, he will be a National Association of Athletic Trainers (NATA) Certified Athletic Trainer and a Texas State Licensed Athletic Trainer.”

Including Goodwin, HPU will graduate 16 new teachers from its School of Education this Saturday.

Pictured above: Ty Goodwin will graduate with a double major in athletic training and exercise sport science this Saturday, December 12.