GREENSBORO – Dr. Lauren Griffin just accomplished a professional milestone.
 
She earned a Doctor of Education in Kinesiology recently. Her dissertation specifically addressed the challenges that plague minority enrollment in athletic training. She focused specifically on the socialization of minorities in higher education programs as well as mentorship and strategies for success.
 
Griffin is more than an athletic trainer at UNC Greensboro (UNCG). She is a mentor and a tremendous ambassador of the profession. Her impact at UNCG extends beyond her title as she's one of the advisors of the Black Student-Athlete Association.
 
"What I like about this profession is the freedom I have in trying new approaches to progress my student athletes," Griffin said. "This field gives you a great foundation to think outside the box. Every day is something new, and every day I have the opportunity to see change amongst my student-athletes. I get to know them personally, and I see them at their most vulnerable during injury but also get to share in their success."
 
Now in her fifth year at UNCG, Griffin earned her bachelor's degree from Old Dominion and master's from Virginia Commonwealth. Prior to UNCG, Griffin worked at the University of Mary Washington from 2012-16, finishing her tenure as an associate athletic trainer. She also interned at the United States Naval Academy.
 
National Athletic Training Month is held every March to spread awareness about the important work of athletic trainers. "Essential to Health Care" is the theme of this year's National Athletic Training Month, which is sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), a not-for-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas.