Distinguished Faculty Member in the Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion Named Career Recipient of NSCA Impact Award

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently honored B. Sue Graves, Ed. D., FACSM, FISSN, with the organization’s 2024 Impact Award. The longtime director of the FAU Well Program and associate professor in the Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion (ESHP) received the award during the NSCA’s national conference and awards banquet held on July 12, in Baltimore, MD.

“I was very honored, humbled, and surprised to even be nominated for this award,” shared Graves.

Given annually since 1997, the NSCA Impact Award highlights an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the field of strength and conditioning throughout their career. The NSCA Board of Directors carefully considers candidates for this prestigious award based on the nominee’s overall influence on the scientific understanding, methodologies, or practice of resistance training as a component of sports conditioning, as well as the individual’s continued support of the NSCA’s mission and goals.

Graves has been an active NSCA member for the last 27 years. She has judged NSCA abstracts and grants and served on various committees, including the Research Committee of which she is now a member. Her ties to the organization are especially important to her, not only for her professional growth and development, but because the NSCA is considered the worldwide authority in the field of strength and conditioning – an area many of her students are focused on.

“The NSCA provides cutting-edge information regarding research, education, and practical experience,” explained Graves. “This focus enables our students to empower themselves, enhancing individuals of all ages with their performance.”

Over the years, Graves has come to personally know and build relationships with countless leading researchers, performance coaches, athletic trainers, and other professionals. Meeting old and new acquaintances alike at the NSCA’s annual conference is something she eagerly looks forward to.

“The conference is almost like a family reunion because I meet colleagues I have not seen for a year, plus I have the opportunity to meet students from other universities,” stated Graves.

Since many of the college’s ESHP students are interested in strength and conditioning as part of their major, Graves has a long history of connecting students with other professionals who are making a difference in the same field.

“It is so rewarding to work with students and then see them become true professionals in their future careers,” expressed Graves.

Throughout her 29-year career with Florida Atlantic, Graves has held many leadership positions in the department on the Boca Raton and Davie campuses, including department chair. She reflected on how proud she is of the ESHP Department’s dedication to provide the absolute best opportunities, faculty, and resources needed to train the next generation of therapists, practitioners, and health care leaders.

“Our successful students are graduating with the required skills to excel in their future careers,” stated Graves. “Because our students are encouraged to engage in volunteer experiences in research, become active in the community, and take internship courses, these opportunities allow them to obtain important experiences prior to graduation. Those tailored experiences also enable them to follow their passion in their unique pathways.”