From Athletic Training to Academic Leadership:
Meet Dr. Valerie Herzog
We are honored to feature Dr. Valerie Herzog in our Education Series, celebrating leaders who are transforming healthcare education. With over two decades at Weber State University, Valerie Herzog has guided countless students in athletic training, blending compassion, rigor, and a deep commitment to student success.
Tell us about your personal journey. (This encompasses both personal and professional aspects)
I completed my undergraduate degree in Athletic Training at Alderson-Broaddus College (recently closed for financial reasons) in West Virginia. I worked for two years at a boarding school in Virginia as the Head Athletic Trainer and then went to the University of Virginia for my master's degree. My next job was at the University of Charleston where I taught Athletic Training classes in the morning and served as a staff Athletic Trainer for the sports teams in the afternoon. I loved this job, but over time, I found that I was getting more joy from teaching, so I decided to pursue my doctoral degree at Marshall University. After I completed it in 2004, I came to Weber State University in Utah where I've been for the last 21 years. I've served in just about every role possible related to the AT programs and currently serve as the Chair of the Department of Athletic Training and Occupational Therapy.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
I've had several opportunities to teach over the years which started with tutoring chemistry and calculus in high school and college. I also got to teach a sports medicine class at the boarding school in Virginia. But, it wasn't until I was teaching several college courses each semester at the University of Charleston when I realized that I really loved it and wanted to do it full-time. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned through your work?
Be kind and patient. You never know what someone else is dealing with, and just about everyone is dealing with something. Give them some flexibility to get things done when their other issues are more manageable, but don't let them off the hook completely. They need to do the work, and they need to do it well. When you're teaching future healthcare providers, it's important to everyone that they are competent and skilled when they graduate.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
One of the biggest mental health challenges is locus of control. We feel frustrated about our world and feel powerless to make a difference. However, we can all make small differences for our friends and family, in our programs and universities, and in our local communities. I focus on what I can control and where I can make a difference. This gives me purpose and helps me to feel like I'm doing my part to make our world a better place.
What are your highest hopes for democracy to unite and uplift and inspire?
In my perfect world, everyone is treated with love, kindness, and respect. Everyone has an equal opportunity to get a quality education followed by a meaningful career that can support their families. Everyone feels safe and welcomed wherever they go. When anyone has trouble or issues in their lives, they have the necessary resources available to help them get through it.
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