Assistant Director of Sports Medicine at Shippensburg University, Miranda Fisher, was recently named the 2026 recipient of the Frank George Doctoral Scholarship and awarded the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s L.P. Hill Unity Sports Award, exemplifying her commitment to clinical athletic training, student well-being and the community.
The Frank George Doctoral Scholarship supports athletic trainers who intend to remain in clinical practice while pursuing their doctoral studies. One of the reasons Fisher enrolled in Temple University’s Doctorate of Athletic Training program was that it suited her responsibilities at Ship. “As someone who works full-time, I was looking for a program that would be online and compatible with my professional responsibilities here at Shippensburg,” she shared. Temple’s program also offers a teaching-in-higher-education certification after a practicum, which Fisher said she pursued in case any teaching opportunities arise.
On receiving the scholarship, Fisher shared her gratitude and passion for her career plans. “I’m truly honored to be the 2026 Frank George Doctoral Scholarship recipient,” she said. “I love the profession of athletic training, and this award is intended to help those who want to remain in the clinical practice of athletic training. I’m thankful for the scholarship and its ability to help me complete my doctoral degree and improve my skillset for the patients I’ll work with moving forward.”
The PSAC L.P. Hill Unity Sports Award recognizes leaders who champion unity, equity and access within the athletics field. For Fisher, equitable care is at the core of her work in sports medicine. “My role is to provide sports medicine services to any patients who may walk through the door, while understanding that each patient is unique and has prior health experiences,” she said. “It is important to take the time to build rapport and get to know your patients to ensure they’re receiving culturally competent patient-centered care.”
In addition to Fisher’s dedication to sports medicine, she also serves on multiple boards and committees related to athletes, mental health and wellness. She described mental-health advocacy as an essential part of her practice, sharing the parallels between physical injuries and psychological challenges. “There are a lot of people struggling, myself included, so I never want student-athletes to feel shame or embarrassment when they’re struggling. I believe normalizing conversations, conducting screenings and helping students build skills to work through difficult times is the approach I take when working with students.”
Fisher acknowledged that balancing a full-time clinical role on top of leadership and volunteer duties can be demanding; even so, she remains dedicated to service. “My life goals are rooted in service to others. I find joy in serving others, building relationships with the organizations I serve and lead by example,” she said. Fisher also shared that support from her colleagues and partnering organizations makes her workload manageable.
Committed to serving Ship and the greater community, Fisher plans to remain involved in student development through campus organizations such as Tau Kappa and OneShip, as well as with local organizations like the Community Cares Family Shelter. Fisher thanked academic mentors at the Commonwealth University – Lock Haven, West Chester and Temple. She also acknowledged Ship colleagues Wes Mallicone, Becky Fitz, Tanya Miller, Jasmin Lalin, Jeff and Carrie Michaels and Ashley Grimm along with the “thousands of student-athletes I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the last 15 years at Shippensburg.”
Fisher’s title as the 2026 Frank George Doctoral Scholarship and the recipient of the L.P. Hill Unity Sports Award represent her commitment to sports medicine, patient care and supporting student-athletes.
