Professional Background
Vice chair of the KU Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, LesLee Taylor, Ph.D., LAT, ATC, is founding program director for the KU's master's degree program in athletic training.
An associate professor, she is leading the development and implementation of the graduate-level program previously offered by the university as a bachelor's degree on the Lawrence campus. Taylor joined KU in spring 2020 after leading the program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Professional Background
From 2000-2020, Taylor was a faculty member at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas. While there she led the effort to develop a master's degree program in athletic training and served as its first program director. At that time, it was the first program of its kind to be offered at a health sciences center and only the sixth professional master's degree in the country.
Prior to her faculty role, Taylor served as assistant athletic trainer for Texas Tech's women's basketball, men's tennis, and cross country programs.
Taylor has worked clinically in athletic training at the collegiate and high school levels, in the private sector, as well as for international tennis organizations. She is frequently hired as a consultant in her field of expertise.
Among her many honors and recognitions, Taylor received the Athletic Trainer Service Award from the National Athletic Trainers' Association in 2015, and in 2018 she was a recipient of the association's Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award.
Taylor served on the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education from 2013-2020 and president of the organization from 2017-2019. In addition, she served as a site visitor, on the review committee, and several other committees for the commission. Other previous service includes the exam development committee with the Board of Certification, Inc. She has been active with the National Athletic Trainers' Association, as well.
Academic Background
A KU alumnae, Taylor earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from the University of Kansas in 1993. She received a master's degree in exercise and sport science from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, in 1995, and a doctorate from Texas Tech University in 2001 with a focus on family and consumer science education.
- PhD, Adult Education, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
