Bud Cooper, EdD, LAT, ATC, CSCS

Biography

Dr. Cooper has experience in the health care field that encompasses work as an athletic trainer at the interscholastic and intercollegiate levels, professional sports and in the physical therapy arena. Cooper’s research interests involve the investigation of extreme environmental conditions and it impact on exertional heat illness risk. His research has been funded by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Federation of High Schools, and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). Cooper has been named to the Medical and Science Advisory Board for the Korey Stringer Institute and the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for the GHSA. In 2017 Cooper was selected to lead a national work group dedicated to raise awareness of exertional heat stroke for all populations in the U.S. Cooper has lectured extensively on the topic of exertional heat illness at the international, national, and regional conferences and has published numerous manuscripts in referred journals. Cooper also serves as the program leader for the master’s degree program in Strength, Conditioning, and Fitness. His hobbies include wood working, alpine skiing and outdoor recreation.

Areas of Expertise

  • sports medicine
  • athletic training
  • strength conditioning and fitness

Interests

  • exertional heat illness in sports

Concentrations

Education

  •  Ed.D in Kinesiology, 2004
    The University of Georgia
  •  M.Ed. in Health Education, 1985
    The University of Houston
  •  BS.Ed. in Health, Physical Education and Athletic Training, 1980
    The University of Pittsburgh

Contact

 706-542-6463 (office)
 706-540-7227 (mobile)

Research Summary

Dr. Cooper has studied the effects of extreme weather conditions as they relate to the onset of exertional heat illnesses among football athletes. His research has been funded by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and the National Athletic Trainers Research and Education Foundation (NATAREF). Much of Cooper’s research has contributed to the revising of practice policies for athletes practicing in hot/humid conditions.

Awards and Accolades

Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award

National Athletic Trainers Association, 2006