Athletic Training Faculty & Staff

Director & Professor
503-352-7265

Jeffrey Kawaguchi PT, PhD, ATC is the director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program and Professor. He teaches a variety of courses within the program. His research interests include women’s health issues and pedagogy. Outside of the classroom Dr. Kawaguchi enjoys running, biking, and spending time with his family.

Associate Professor
503-352-7263

Dana K. Bates PhD, ATC is an Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. She teaches Physical Agents, Administration in Athletic Training Settings and Orthopedic Evaluation.  Her research interest includes pedagogical practices in athletic training, opiods and athletes, and critical thinking. Outside of the classroom Dr. Bates enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, skiing and spending time with her family.

Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Clinical Education
503-352-2678

Rebecca Rodriguez DAT, ATC, CSCS is the Coordinator of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor in the Master’s of Science in Athletic Training Program. She earned her MS in Kinesiology and Doctorate in Athletic Training from A.T. Still University in 2016 and 2022, respectively. Previously, she earned a dual degree in Athletic Training and Allied Health from George Fox University in 2012. Dr. Rodriguez teaches the Rehabilitation Applications courses, Responding to Emergencies, and Clinical Practicum courses. Her research interests include shoulder injuries in overhead athletes, primary injury prevention, clinical education, and practice-based research in the athletic training field. Dr. Rodriguez enjoys being outdoors, hiking, finding the best food and coffee in the Portland area, and spending time with her family.

Athletic Training Administrative Assistant
503-352-6435

Molly Schrader is the Administrative Assistant for the Athletic Training Program. 

Honored Faculty Members

Richard Rutt PT, PhD, ATC/R (Professor Emeritus) and Linda McIntosh, MS, ATC were the co-founding members of the Master of Athletic Training Program at Pacific University. Together, Dr. Rutt (former Program Director of the School of Physical Therapy) and Linda McIntosh (Head Athletic Trainer at Pacific University for 25+ years) planned and developed the Master of Athletic Training Program over a 5-year period with the understanding that the program would be housed in the school of Physical Therapy within the College of Health Professions on the Hillsboro, OR campus.

Prior to the acceptance of the first cohort of students in the Fall of 2013, Dr. Rutt was named as the Program Director and Linda McIntosh was named as the Clinical Education Coordinator.  In 2014, the Pacific University Master’s of Athletic Training Program completed an extensive accreditation review from the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and received formal recognition as an accredited athletic training program. In the fall of 2015, Dr. Rutt announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 academic year, and Linda McIntosh followed closely behind, retiring the following year in 2017. Both Dr. Rutt and Linda McIntosh remain influential on student success and their legacy continues to permeate all aspects of the Athletic Training Program.