Awards

School of Public Health W.W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award - 1997

About Robert Behnke

Robert S. Behnke is a former educator who spent 39 years teaching anatomy, kinesiology, physical education, and athletic training. He spent the majority of his career at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, where he was a professor of physical education and athletic training, and the director of the university's undergraduate and graduate athletic training programs. Behnke also was the chair of the NATA Professional Education Committee, where he initiated the petition to the American Medical Association that led to the national accreditation process for entry level athletic training education programs.

In addition to education, Behnke has worked as an athletic trainer at the 1983 World University Games and for the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball trails in 1984. He trained athletes for boxing, men’s field hockey, team handball, ice skating, roller hockey, gymnastics, judo, and cycling at the United States Olympic Training Center. Behnke served as District Four Director (1980 to 1983) and is a NATA Hall of Fame member (1990). He was awarded the chool of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation W.W. Patty Distinguished Service Award from Indiana University in 1997.