Twenty Years of Magis

On September 14, 2000, I began a new chapter on my personal and professional journey by taking a position as Head Athletic Trainer at Saint Louis University.  Leaving my hometown and moving our family to St. Louis was something I really did not think would ever happen.  However, I saw my career evolving towards academics and when, my colleague Dr. Mark Reinking informed me about an opening at SLU where I could continue my doctoral study on campus, I decided to pursue it.  Over the last 2 decades, our experience at SLU and in St. Louis community has far exceeded any of our expectations.

Though I attended Catholic grade school and high school, I did not know much about the Jesuits or Ignatian spirituality.  As I found out quickly here at SLU, any of our students who attended a Jesuit high school could speak about Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG) "For the Greater Glory of God"; Cura Personalis "care for the person"; being a "person for others:; and seeing "God in all things".  The best thing about my time at SLU, is that I could not only soon say them, but I could LIVE them.  The Jesuits also speak of the "Magis", latin for "more". It has many interpretations, but to me it is a reminder that we must constantly be reflective and look beyond ourselves to understand that we are a part of a wider interconnected community.  

I have encountered Magis in many ways in my last 20 years at SLU.  In my time as a staff member in athletics where, as an athletic trainer, saw the difference I could make in people's lives.  These opportunities often did not happen under the bright lights of an arena or stadium, but rather in moments of quiet when a person is in pain, grieving or feeling vulnerable.  Being present, authentic and worthy of their trust was often better medicine than a pill, bandage or some other physical agent.  

As a PhD student in Educational Leadership - Higher Education at SLU, I also encountered the Magis.  I saw it in the passion of my instructors and the wisdom and generosity of my committee Dr. Gerry Fowler, Dr. Mike Grady and Dr. Mike Ross.  I also appreciate the sacrifices my family made during this time to give me the space to engage in doctoral study while working full-time.  The subjects of my dissertation "The effect of student athlete recruitment, admissions and services in the success of intercollegiate men's basketball programs" were Head Men's Basketball Coaches at Jesuit universities from across the country, who graciously and honestly answered my interview questions.

Finally, as a faculty member at SLU, I have the opportunity to live the Magis and see it in our students and my colleagues.  I have been lucky to be guided by leaders such as Diana Carlin, Irma Ruebling, Mark Reinking, Tricia Austin, Charlotte Royeen and Mardell Wilson.  Working together with faculty colleagues Darcy Downey, Kitty Newsham, Tim Howell, Jason Bennett, Randy Richter, Bill Siler and Mike Markee, we have developed a program that not only pursues excellence for our profession but also lives the mission to enrich the lives of our students and community.  With the help of Kemba Noel-London and a grant from the NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee, we have been able to impact the lives of our neighbors through the Roosevelt HS AT Club. 

I found an area of passion in Interprofessional Collaboration which has fueled my teaching, service and scholarship and made possible collaborations with friends and colleagues Katie Eliot, Ginge Kettenbach, David Pole, Katie Sniffen and Leslie Hinyard.  This opportunity has built bridges professionally nationally and internationally through the NATA, ASAHP, IPEC, AIHC, NAP, WFATT, IPR.Global, ASAE, Alpha Eta, the Interprofessional Research Collaborative and the Journal of Interprofessional Care. 

Last, but not least, I am so proud of how SLU has embraced my family.  Coming to a new city with children at a very young age, we felt welcomed by athletics staff and student-athletes.  Moments such as traveling with my wife Jacque to basketball and volleyball tournaments to connections made between students and my daughters.  Two of my daughters are Jesuit educated, including my youngest playing softball and graduating from SLU in 2019.  When my mother passed away last year, the support of the SLU community was so important to our family.

This spring I had the privilege of being inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society. However, the Magis goes far beyond reflecting on your accomplishments and experiences it looks ahead to the your next opportunity to impact the lives of others.  I can only hope my next 20 years will be as special as my last 20 years at SLU.