chattanooga MOCS

Nathan Barger is entering his fourth year at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2023-24, serving as the Assistant Athletic Director in charge of Sports Medicine. Nathan is responsible for the supervision of the Chattanooga Sports Medicine Team and has primary sport coverage of the men’s football program.  

Nathan spent seven years at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). During his tenure at ETSU, Nathan worked as a graduate assistant with the football, track and field, and cross-country programs. As a full-time staff member, Nathan served as the Head Football Athletic Trainer for five seasons. Prior to his time at ETSU, Nathan interned at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida covering several sports and aiding in day-to-day operations of the athletic training room.  

Nathan received his Ed.D. at ETSU in Global Sport Leadership in 2020. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and Performance from East Tennessee State University in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Carson Newman University in 2012.  

Nathan is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society. He also serves as the Ethic Chair for the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society.  Nathan has a Dry Needling Level I certification and is a licensed athletic trainer in the state of Tennessee. He is also certified in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.  

During the COVID-19 Pandemic Nathan served on the UTC COVID-19 Taskforce. Nathan currently serves as the Ethics Chair for the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society. He has presented at the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Annual Symposium and served as a guest lecturer at the Taipei American School in 2018. Nathan currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at UTC teaching Principles of Strength Training and Care and Prevention.

Nathan is originally from Sweetwater, Tenn., and currently resides in Hixson, Tenn., with his wife Hannah, newborn daughter Hayden, and their two German Shepherds (Gunner & Ginger). 

Updated July 2023.