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Russ Cagle

Professor Emeritus

Headshot of Russ Cagle

Contact Information

Salem Campus

Address
900 State Street
Salem  Oregon  97301
U.S.A.

Biography

Education

  • Ph.D., Oregon State University (Integrated Human Function), 1992
  • M.A., San Diego State University (Sports Medicine), 1974
  • B.S., University of Montana (Physical Education), 1970

Professional Certification

Certified Athletic Trainer, National Athletic Trainers Association, 1972

Bio

During Professor Russ Cagle’s 23-year career (1985-2008) at Willamette University, his exceptional abilities as a teacher, clinician and administrator paved the way for the evolution and subsequent success of the current Department of Exercise & Health Science. 

Professor Cagle came to Willamette University to assume the roles of Head Athletic Trainer in the Department of Athletics and professor in the Department of Physical Education after successful stints at San Diego State University (1970-77), the University of Oregon (1977-81), where he was the Head Athletic Trainer for football, and the University of Montana (1982-85), where he was also the Clinical Director for the NATA-approved Graduate program in Athletic Training.

Under Professor Cagle’s leadership both the clinical and theoretical components of the sports medicine program at Willamette University flourished. The Burr Sports Medicine Center was established, significantly expanding both the personnel and resources assigned to care for the university’s varsity athletes. Additionally, recognizing the limitations of focusing the curriculum on physical education pedagogy, he spearheaded the conversion of the Department of Physical Education to the Department of Exercise Science in 1994, with the focus broadly on human function, especially healthcare. His contributions to this new curriculum included teaching Human Anatomy, Biomechanics, Care & Prevention of Athletic Injuries, Advanced Injury Management and Neuroanatomy. He was twice officially recognized by the College of Arts & Sciences for Teaching Excellence. 

In concert with his work at Willamette University, Professor Cagle was active promoting professional accountability within the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), both regionally and nationally. He was instrumental in the introduction of Practice Registration for Athletic Trainers in Oregon and his administrative expertise was critical to his success during his three years as the President of the Board of Certification (BOC) of the NATA. 

Professor Cagle’s many contributions to teaching, clinical healthcare and professional development have garnered multiple honors, including election to the Oregon Athletic Trainers Society Hall of Fame (2007), being named NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer (2007), and receiving the San Diego State University Most Distinguished Alumnus Award (2006).

Willamette University

Exercise and Health Science

Address
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6894 voice
503-370-6773 fax