Dr. Cynthia "Sam" Booth became a Certified Athletic Trainer in 1981. She received her Bachelor's degree in Physical Education with a minor in Athletic Training from West Virginia University in 1978. She earned her Master's degree in Education in 1982 from the University of Kansas with an emphasis in Administration of Physical Education and Kinesiology. From 1980-82, she served as the Head Women's Athletic Trainer. She moved to Morgantown, WV, in 1982 to work as the clinical assistant at Morgantown Physical Therapy Associates. In 1983, she became an Assistant Athletic Trainer at West Virginia University, a position she held until her move to Minnesota State University-Moorhead in 1987. "Sam" served as the head athletic trainer for 12 years and earned the rank of Assistant Professor during her tenure at MSU-Moorhead. She was instrumental in assisting the university in attaining an approved athletic training major. "Sam" left MSU-Moorhead in 1999 to pursue a hospital administrative position with MeritCare Health System, where she oversees outpatient therapy, Sports Medicine and Chiropractic Services. In May, 2000, she earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from the university of North Dakota. "Sam has been a strong leader for the Minnesota Athletic Trainers' Association, serving as the state representative to the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association (GLATA), and then became District Director (NATA District 4) in 1995, a position she held for the next six years. She was awarded the "Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer" Award by the National Athletic Trainers' Association in 2002. "Sam" has published and presented at the state, district and national levels. She has been a mentor and inspirations for hundreds of athletic training students and an advocate for athletic trainers in the state and district through her leadership and professional involvement.