Michael Welch was named the Simmons Faculty Athletic Representative in July, 2021. 

"We are thrilled to Michael has accepted the FAR role," says Kantor. "As an athletic trainer, he provided our student-athletes a steady, and consistent service of injury prevention and rehabilitation. His knowledge and talents allowed our athletes the environment to achieve all their athletic goals. Now, as a professor, Michael continues to provide both student-athletes and the rest of the undergraduate population his wisdom and mentorship. Combining his ability to teach, lead, and serve, this role helps integrate academics with athletics, while maintaining a connection to the athletic department. I know he will do a fantastic job in his new role."

Welch has been involved with the Simmons athletic department for over decade, coming to the University as an assistant athletic trainer in 2010. His dedication to the health and wellness of all Simmons student-athletes was so salient that he was promoted to Head Athletic Trainer in May, 2016. That dedication commitment to student-athlete well-being was not only recognized by the department, but also his athletic training peers in the conference, electing him as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Athletic Trainer of the Year the same year.

 "I am fortunate to be representing an organization that puts health and well-being of its student-athletes at the forefront of its collective goals," says Welch. "The athletics department's commitment to student-athlete success, in both sport and academics is something I am proud to have been a part of and able to continue within in a new role."  

Following the 2019-20 academic year, Welch stepped down from his athletic training responsibilities, accepting an assistant professor of exercise science at the University. A licensed athletic trainer by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Welch recently completed his doctorial degree in health professions education from Simmons as well as maintains strength and conditioning specialization.