TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has announced Kristen Kauffman as the new Head Athletic Trainer for the Rose-Hulman Athletic Department. 

Kauffman has been a member of the Rose-Hulman athletic training staff for the past 23 seasons, dating back to 2003. She was promoted to Associate Athletic Trainer in December of 2016 and has supported the Fightin' Engineers student-athletes across all of the institution's varsity sports programs. 

"Kristen's impact on the athletic training room and student-athletes for the last 23 years cannot be understated. She has worked with countless student-athletes and played a large role in their success on and off the field of competition. She is experienced and respected across the country and the athletic training field, and we are fortunate to have Kristen at Rose-Hulman as our Head Athletic Trainer," said Interim Athletic Director Seth Woodason. 

Before Rose-Hulman, Kauffman worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Indiana State University, where she served as an athletic training coordinator for the 2003 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Cross Country National Championships. She also worked for the United States Olympic Committee in the ARCO Olympic Training Center during the 2001-02 year. She provided coverage to athletes in 12 Olympic sports, including soccer, track, and softball. 

"Over the past couple of years, Kristen has stepped into a leadership role amongst our trainers and done an outstanding job. Her responsibilities during this time, coupled with the leadership training she has received and the multiple years of experience she has with the students of Rose-Hulman, make her a natural fit to step into the head trainer role and ensure the team doesn't miss a beat," said Vice President of Student Affairs Erik Hayes.

Kauffman was also a leader on the athletic training staff that was awarded the Jess Lucas Spirit Award in 2021 from the Rose-Hulman Athletic Department. The award is given to the individual or group who has shown the most spirit throughout the year in support of Rose-Hulman Athletics. The group was also awarded the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Commissioner's Cup in 2021 for their outstanding time commitment and personal sacrifice during the COVID 2020-21 academic year. 

Kauffman earned her bachelor's degree in athletic training from Indiana State University in 2000 and finished her master's degree in athletic training in 2001.  She is also a member of the National Athletic Training Association, the Indiana Athletic Training Association, and a Wellness Committee Member. She is a part of the Leadership Committee within the Rose-Hulman Athletic Department and a member of the Nominating Committee for the Rose-Hulman Athletics Hall of Fame.