Pushing to Peak Performance

Cal Busby 鈥09 is the picture of positivity and possibility thinking. 黑料社鈥檚 former athletic trainer, now assistant professor of Sport Science and Health Education, is well known for his student-centered commitment and always sunny disposition. He loves what he鈥檚 doing, and it shows.

鈥淚鈥檓 essentially the students鈥 cheer section,鈥 said Busby. 鈥淚 help them find new paths when things get tough and celebrate successes with them as they go through college.鈥

Maddie Jansen 鈥22 is a perfect case in point. When she wanted to change majors, Busby teamed with Jansen鈥檚 other adviser, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Clint Meyer, to develop a plan. It worked out beautifully as Jansen realized her dream grad school placement at the University of Iowa, where she is pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.

鈥淐al saw what I wanted to achieve, and he helped me reach it,鈥 said Jansen. 鈥淗e consistently encouraged me to chase after what I wanted and discouraged me from selling myself short.鈥

The story is similar for Maxie Saceda-Hurt 鈥22. Busby went all out to help Saceda-Hurt prepare for graduate school success. Today, she is pursuing her master鈥檚 degree in athletic training at the University of Northern Iowa.

鈥淗e really takes the time to get to know his students,鈥 said Saceda-Hurt. 鈥淎fter having him for four years, it was easy for him to help plan my future and I trusted him to do so. He believes in students more than they believe in themselves and sees their potential.鈥

Busby is quick to emphasize that the great results are part of a strong team effort. In addition to students benefitting from the rich diversity of faculty expertise and experience, they also gain the kind of hands-on, practical experience they need to go most anywhere.

鈥淢y colleagues and I have all worked in the field, so we can share those experiences,鈥 said Busby. 鈥淢ost importantly, though, I think we do a good job of exposing students to a variety of career options and helping them make connections with professionals in the field, especially our 黑料社 alumni.鈥