Applied exercise science faculty receives national recognition

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Media Contact: Rachel Eng | Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-8320 | rachel.eng@okstate.edu

Dr. Jay Dawes, associate professor of applied exercise science, has been named the 2021 Tactical Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in recognition of his contributions to the organization and the field.

As the co-director of the OSU Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Dawes provides actionable and evidence-based information to tactical athletes, including first responders and military personnel who want to improve their overall health, fitness and occupational performance. He has worked as a strength/performance coach, personal trainer, educator and post-rehabilitation specialist for more than 20 years. Additionally, Dawes served on the NSCA Board of Directors’ Executive Council as both vice president and secretary/treasurer from 2016 to 2019.

“Dr. Dawes’ world-class leadership and groundbreaking research contributions were pivotal in establishing the foundation of the tactical strength and conditioning profession and continue to serve as the backbone of evidence-based best practices today,” said Mandy Nice, NSCA Tactical Program Manager (Public Safety). “His work has paved the way for thousands of tactical professionals and coaches to achieve meaningful and measurable success, and he continues to advance the field by selflessly putting the mission before himself. He is an industry inspiration. NSCA Tactical sends tremendous congratulations to him for earning this very well-deserved award.”

Dawes is being honored at the NSCA’s Tactical Annual Training Conference Aug. 3-6 in Norfolk, Virginia. The conference is the premiere educational event of the year and unites international public safety and military experts who share cutting-edge, evidence-proven best practices and training methodologies that help tactical professionals systematically increase their readiness, performance and resilience while also increasing their longevity and quality of life.