Dr. Helen Binkley received her BS (health and physical education) in 1985 and her MS (physical education -athletic training) in 1988 from the University of Delaware. Becoming BOC certified in 1988, she accepted her first job as head athletic trainer at Lincoln University, PA, a Division III athletic program. From there she attended Temple University and received her PhD (exercise physiology) in 1996. After graduating, she became an athletic trainer and assistant professor at Elon University, NC, a Division II athletic program and assisted in the accreditation of the athletic training program 1996-2002. From 2002- 2004, Dr. Binkley became the Athletic Training Director for Mesa State University, a Division II athletic program, where she completed the initial accreditation process for the athletic training program. In 2004, she began her tenure at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) as the athletic training director. Since being at MTSU, she has been through two successful accreditation cycles at the BS level and has recently completed the transition of the athletic training program to the MS level. In her role as professor and director she conducts research, publications, and presentations; mentors students; and instructs athletic training educational competencies and proficiencies.
Dr. Binkley has been involved with the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) in four different districts (2, 3, 7, and 9), and at the state, regional, and national levels. One major accomplishment of Dr. Binkley is when she was the lead author for the original Exertional Health Illness Position Statement for the NATA in 2002, which was a significant contribution to the health and safety of athletes. Since arriving in Tennessee, Dr. Binkley has been the co-chair of the secondary committee (2012-2014), a member (2012-2014) and then the chair of the professional education committee (2015-2022). She was appointed by the governor to the Board of Athletic Trainers for the State of Tennessee (2015-2019) and then became the chair (2019-present). She has served as representative of TATS to the Southeast Athletic Trainers Association (SEATA) for the research and education committee (2005- present) and an ambassador for the NATA Foundation (2013-2022). Dr. Binkley has received several athletic training awards and recognition including NATA AT Service award (2009), TATS Jerry Robertson Educator award (2015), NATA Most Distinguished AT award (2015), and SEATA Education/Administration AT award (2016).
Dr Binkley would like to thank her parents Robert and Hazel Binkley and other family members for supporting her in educational and professional goals and opportunities, along with friends, co-workers, and her church family.