Name: Melissa M. Snyder, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS
Department: Health Sciences
Program: Athletic Training
Rank: Associate Professor
Title: Program Director
Work Phone: 828-227-3505
Work Email: mmsnyder@wcu.edu
Office address : HHSB 363
Education:
Ph D, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Kinesiology
MS, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Exercise and Sport Science
BS, University of Wisconsin La Crosse, Athletic Training
Licenses & Specialty Credentialing:
Athletic Training Certification, Board of Certification
Athletic Training License, North Carolina Board of Athletic Training Examiners
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, National Strength and Conditioning
Association
Experience:
Dr. Melissa Snyder joined the School of Health Sciences as an Athletic Training faculty
member in 2014. She spent one year as clinical coordinator before coming the Program
Director in 2017. Prior to coming to WCU, she worked as an associate professor and
Clinical Education Coordinator of the Athletic Training Program at Ashland University
in Ashland, OH. Dr. Snyder has clinical experience with college athletics (DI, DII,
DIII, and USCAA), youth sports (soccer, lacrosse, field hockey), adult club sports
(rugby, soccer), Carolina Dynamo Soccer Team (USL League Two), US Soccer, Olympic
Development Program (ODP) Soccer, and bull riding.
Area of Expertise:
Performance enhancement, spine evaluation & treatment, and evidence based practice.
Primary Teaching Responsibilities:
ATTR 360: Analysis and Dysfunction of the Upper Extremity
ATTR 370: Evaluation and Treatment of the Spine
ATTR 377: Physical Adaptations to Exercise
ATTR 415: Evidence-Based Practice in Athletic Training
ATTR 450: Radiology and Diagnostic Procedures
ATTR 484: Clinical Education VI
Scholarly Interests:
Dr. Snyder’s research focuses on athletic training education, including peer assisted
learning, interprofessional education, and communication.
Publications
Presentations
Service Interest:
Professionally, Melissa is on the Research and Education Foundation’s Free Communication Committee, that reviews and select research to be presented at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting and serves of the Board of Certification’s Exam Development Committee, which writes the national certification exam. She was one of the founding members of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Education Advancement Committee, which aims to support and foster educational research in athletic training.
At Western Carolina University, Dr. Snyder serves on the Student Transitions Advisory Board, Academic Learning Communities Steering Committee, the College Academic Action Committee, and the Educational Strategies Committee. She also is the medical director for the Valley of The Lilies 5K and Half Marathon.
Personal:
I live in Sylva with my husband David, identical twin redheaded sons- Jack & Tripp, and cat Myrtle. When not on campus, I can be found at the park, blowing bubbles, hiking, or enjoying all that Western North Carolina has to offer!