For 17 years, the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s highest award has been given to a man.
Until now.
This year, Creighton Exercise Science professor Dr. Joan Eckerson became the first woman to be recognized for 10 years of outstanding service to the NSCA.
Eckerson is not one to brag – she keeps the green marble, obelisk-shaped award off to the side on her desk – but she admits it’s a significant career achievement.
“It’s a real honor to win this award,” Eckerson said. “I work in a male-dominated field, so it really does have special meaning for me.”
Eckerson has been at Creighton since 1995 and teaches two 300-level classes while conducting research. Some of her research, recently published in the association’s journal, has helped make her a force in the field.
“I enjoy being able to present my research to the field in a clear, easy to understand way, then see it put into practice,” Eckerson, who has authored over 40 publications in her career, said.
Eckerson has liked sports science since she was a child.
“I’ve always been interested in how the body works and how it responds to acute and chronic exercise,” Eckerson said. “Academia appealed to me because of the constant learning environment and the variety of opportunities available to me.”
The William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist of the Year Award recognizes scientists for “10 Years of Outstanding Service to the Field of Applied Exercise and Sport Science.”
The Kraemer Award, according to the NSCA’s Web site, is given to a scientist who has written original investigations in applied exercise and sports science in his or her career. He or she has also demonstrated a record of research presentations at national and international scientific meetings and also has presented research at the NSCA national meeting over a span of time.
Eckerson says she hopes the award will increase the visibility of the field to women.
“Young women need role models,” Eckerson said. “If I happen to be one for a student, that is more significant to me than any award.”