Name: Ashley B. Thrasher
Department: Health Sciences
Program: Athletic Training
Rank: Assistant Professor
Title: Didactic Education Coordinator
Work Phone: 828-227-3511
Work Email: abthrasher@wcu.edu
Office address : HHSB 364
Education:
Doctorate – Ball State University; Adult, Higher and Community Education with cognate
in Biomechanics
Masters – Western Michigan University; Athletic Training
Bachelors – Anderson University; Athletic Training and Biology
Licenses & Specialty Credentialing:
BOC Certified Athletic Trainer Licensed Athletic
Trainer in the State of North Carolina
National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning
Specialist
National Provider Identifier #1134406341
College and University Teaching Certificate
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (CPR and
AED)
Graston Technique M1 – Basic Training
Experience:
Dr. Thrasher has a variety of clinical experience in athletic training ranging from
pop warner to professional level. These experiences include secondary school athletics,
college, clinic, performing arts, semi-professional basketball (Indiana Alleycats)
professional arena football (Columbus Destroyers) and various camps and tournaments.
Currently, Dr. Thrasher volunteers at Blue Ridge Health Jackson, in which she sees
orthopedic patients and provides athletic training services to individuals who do
not have access to other rehabilitative services.
Area of Expertise:
Shoulder and Hip Evaluation and Treatment
Therapeutic Interventions
Evidence-Based Practice and Research
Biomechanics
Primary Teaching Responsibilities:
ATTR 221: Therapeutic Modalities I
ATTR 222: Therapeutic Modalities II
ATTR 240: Emergency Procedures in Athletic Training
ATTR 323: Therapeutic Modalities III
ATTR 330: Clinical Measures of the Lower Extremity
ATTR 340: Clinical Measures of the Upper Extremity
ATTR 375: Therapeutic Exercise
Scholarly Interests:
Professional Socialization
Transition to Practice of Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers
Therapeutic Intervention
Recent Publications and Presentations:
Service Interest:
Dr. Thrasher’s service interests include research, professional development, and education. She serves on various committees at the School, College, University, and professional levels. She is a CAATE site visitor, serves on the professional development committee for North Carolina Athletic Trainers' Association, and serves on the research and grants committee for Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association. She is also on the Editorial Board for the Athletic Training Education Journal and a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Athletic Training, Athletic Training Education Journal, and Athletic Training and Sports Healthcare. Dr. Thrasher also currently leads the WCU Run for Research, which is a 175-mile relay (25 miles per person) on the Blue Ridge Parkway to raise money for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation.
Honors/Awards:
NCHSAA Commissioner’s Choice Award for Excellence (WCU
2019
Athletic Training Program and Faculty)
Athletic Training Education Journal Award for Advancing Clinical Practice
2017
Arkansas State University College of Education and Behavioral Science Faculty 2016
Achievement Award for Scholarship
Athletic Training Education Journal Outstanding Research Manuscript
2016
Bio: Dr. Ashley Thrasher is originally from Mansfield, Ohio. She has been a faculty member in the Athletic Training Program at WCU since 2016. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys running, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Andrew, and her adorable dogs, Piper and Dixie.