LSU Kinesiology’s Amanda Benson Named as a 2024 CAATE Award Winner

LSU Kinesiology’s Amanda Benson, PhD, LAT, ATC, was recognized as a Bob and Lynn Caruthers Service Award Winner by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  

Established in 2006, CAATE is a non-profit organization that serves the public and the profession of athletic training by confirming compliance with accreditation standards. By enforcing these standards, CAATE continues to contribute to quality outcomes, continuous improvement, innovation, and diversity in athletic training education. To win this award, a candidate must exemplify the character traits and dedication that Bob and Lynn Caruthers displayed throughout their individual careers. Both Bob and Lynn Caruthers made substantial contributions to professional and specialized accreditation and exhibited their excellence in their work with constituent institutions. A winner must display a commitment to professional education and service, as well as have a proven and continuing record of excellence in service to athletic training accreditation and the CAATE. 

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of something as impactful as the CAATE,” said Benson. “There are so many amazing individuals who volunteer for this organization that it is truly humbling to be nominated by my peers and to receive this award.”

Benson has been active within the CAATE in many ways, the most notable being the chair of the CAATE Review Team and serving as member of the peer review committee. She has remained involved by attending and presenting at various peer review workshops and conferences, serving as a peer reviewer for over 30 visits, and working on several Ad Hoc committees. 

Benson is currently the program director for the Athletic Training Education Program and professor of professional practice in the LSU School of Kinesiology. She is an active volunteer to the profession of athletic training, serving in various capacities throughout her career. She currently serves as the education coordinator for the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association, is a member of the CAATE peer review committee, and is the AD HOC Chair on the Policy and Procedure committee for the SEATA. She was inducted into the SEATA Hall of Fame in 2024, received the NATA service award in 2022, and was a recipient of the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer in 2024.  

---

 About CHSE

The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan. 
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website.

About SOK

The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education. 
Visit the School of Kinesiology website.