Jennifer Austin McCrae, PhD, ATC, is an accomplished academic leader and educator with a robust background in athletic training and higher education. She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education from Ohio University, where she also completed her Master of Science in Physical Education with a specialization in Athletic Training and her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training with an emphasis on Exercise Physiology. Dr. McCrae has over two decades of experience in academia, consistently demonstrating excellence in program development, accreditation, and student mentorship across various institutions.
Currently serving as the Assistant Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Program Director for the PhD in Health Sciences at 麻豆传媒官网 of Health Professions, Dr. McCrae has also held roles as Program Director and Associate Professor, leading Master’s and Bachelor鈥檚 programs in athletic training. She has a proven track record of leadership and her contributions include spearheading program accreditations with zero compliance issues, mentoring faculty, and enhancing curricula to meet evolving educational and professional standards.
Dr. McCrae鈥檚 scholarly achievements include publications in peer-reviewed journals, research on clinical reasoning, equestrian, and physical fitness, and presentations at national and international conferences. Her dedication to service is evident in her leadership roles on committees for curriculum development, faculty hiring, and academic governance. Recognized for her commitment to education and student success, she has received awards such as the Difference Maker Spire Award and the Nancy Beyer Oplar Award for Excellence in Advising. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. McCrae is certified in various athletic training techniques and remains an active member of key professional organizations in her field.
Dr. McCrae resides in Clarksville, TN, and enjoys spending time with her pets and two grown children who are active in hockey and equestrian.
Research & Publications
Jasim M, Austin J, Heinerichs S, Purcell R. Perceptions of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) academic program faculty toward intraprofessional education (IaPE) in an online versus onsite format. Internet J Allied Health Sci Pract. 2026; Manuscript 2982
Evans C, Tartar J, Banks J, Austin McCrae J, Antonio J. Associations between FTO rs9939609 genotype, physical activity, and dietary behaviors in young adults. Nutrients. 2026; 18(10). https://www.mdpi.com/2072- 6643/18/10/1561 10.3390/nu18101561
Romano V and Austin McCrae J. Longitudinal analysis of training load across two competitive seasons in collegiate women鈥檚 soccer. RSP. 2026; 6(1). https://doi.org/10.53520/rsp2026.105210
Evans C, Tartar J, Banks J, Austin J, Antonio J. Men want fat, women want control: Sex differences in eating behaviors. JISSN. 2025; 22(sup2). https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2025.2550181
Evans C, Tartar J, Banks J, Austin J, Antonio J. Beyond Sex Differences: Body Composition and Dietary Behaviors. Muscles. 2025; 4(3):38. https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4030038
Pereira F, Austin J, Antonio J, Waske R, Romano V. Elite beach volleyball match analysis: Rally structure, work-to-rest patterns, and gender considerations. JISSN. 2025; 22(sup2). https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2025.2550180
Austin J and Schneider-Gaal E. A Narrative review of physical fitness and injury research in equestrians. Internet J All Hlth Sci. 2025;23(2).
Robinson KJ, David H, Kinslow B, Austin J. Psychological safety and clinical reasoning: A Nationwide survey of student perception. Innov in Hlth Sci Ed J. 2025;2(1).
Austin J. Bridging the digital literacy gap in graduate education: A collaborative approach. Academic Leader. February 17, 2025
Austin J and Robinson K. Cervicogenic headaches and cervical dystonia in a young equestrian athlete: A case report. Internet J All Hlth Sci. 2025;23(1).
Robinson KJ, David H, Kinslow B, Austin J. An exploration of psychological safety in allied healthcare clinical education. Educ Res: Theory & Pract. 2024;35(4);193-201.
Jasim M, Boykin L, Raulston E, Austin J. (2024, 2024-06-26). Neck Pain. American Physical Therapy Association. Retrieved 6/26 from https://www.apta.org/patient-care/evidence-based-practiceresources/clinical-summaries/neck-pain.
Robinson K, Austin J. Progressive glenohumeral instability in an adolescent ice hockey athlete: A case report. Internet J All Hlth Sci. 2024; 22:1.
Armstrong KJ, Austin J, Remsburg K. Perceptions of cognitive overload during athletic training student鈥檚 first interaction with a standardized patient. Jn Ath Trng. 2023:58(6-supp):S-302
Platform Presentations
Rintamaa J, St. Louis P, Daughtery M, Austin J 鈥淲ork as a Source of Meaning for Physical Therapists,鈥� presentation at APTA North Carolina Annual Conference, Elon, NC: October 17-18, 2025.
Austin J 鈥淐reating an Individual Development Plan,鈥� a Webinar presented at 麻豆传媒官网 of Health Professions: Virtual, July 12, 2022.
Austin J, Robinson K 鈥淕lenohumeral Instability in a Tier I Ice Hockey Player: A Clinical CASE Study,鈥� a Free Comm Presentation at the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers鈥� Association Annual Meeting and Symposium, Wheeling, IL: March 9-12, 2022.
Poster Presentations
Robinson KJ, David H, Kinslow B, Austin, J. The state of clinical reasoning among entry-level master of athletic training students: Results from a Nationwide survey. 2025 NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo; Professional poster presentation, June 26, 2025.
Pereira F, Austin J, Antonio J, Waske R, Romano V. Elite beach volleyball match analysis: Rally structure, work-to-rest patterns, and gender considerations. 2025 International Society of Sports Nutrition Annual Conference and Expo; Professional poster presentation, June 25, 2025.
Austin J and Robinson K. Delayed diagnosis and multimodal management of headache symptoms in a young equestrian athlete: A case report. 2025 Mountain West Research Summit, Provo, UT; Virtual Professional poster presentation, May 9, 2025.
Armstrong K, Austin J, Remsburg K Perceptions of cognitive overload during athletic training students鈥� first interaction with a standardized patient. 2023 Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, Indianapolis, IN; Professional poster presentation, June 24, 2023.