Since 2001, Dr. Brian Hughes, LAT, ATC has served as the Program Director for the Athletic Training Program at the University of Central Missouri. During his 22 year tenure at UCM, Dr. Hughes has been able to not only influence the lives of those students who graduate from the program, but also the profession of athletic training in general. Shortly after arriving in Warrensburg, Brian quickly followed his passion of continuing education and service to the profession by becoming a member of the Board of Certification's Continuing Education Task Force from 2002 until 2010. Shortly after his service on the task force concluded, Dr. Hughes transitioned his time and energy to serve members of his state, district, and national associations in various capacities. A few roles to note include hosting two MoATA meetings, immediate past-chair of the MAATA annual meeting (2013-2021), past-chair of the 2017 NATA ATEC conference, representing D5 as a member of the NATA Professional Development Committee (2014-2019), while also serving as chair of the PDC from 2019-2021.

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Brian earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1997 where he was an athletic training student during his undergraduate years. After attaining his BOC credential that same year, Dr. Hughes continued his education by earning both his Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction (1999) and Doctor of Education in Adult and Occupational Education from Oklahoma State University (2002). While in graduate school at Oklahoma State, Brian also serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer with the school’s wrestling and football teams. Brian and his wife Kathy currently reside in Warrensburg with their two young children, Brennan and Abigail.