LIVINGSTON, Ala. - In the midst of 40 plus years of service at the University of West Alabama, Dr. R.T. Floyd, the Athletic Department's Director of Athletic Training and Sports Medicine, was announced as an inductee into the 2025 Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame Class on Monday.
While Floyd continues his illustrious career at West Alabama, his name already resides in the University's Hall of Fame. Floyd was inducted into the UWA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and now, over 20 years later, the Athletic Trainer adds a Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame Induction to his impressive résumé.
"I was shocked to learn of my selection for this great honor and I'm extraordinarily appreciative," said Dr. Floyd. "I have been blessed to be at UWA for my entire career and excited about representing UWA and the profession of Athletic Training in the GSC Hall of Fame."
Before becoming a full-time staff member at the University of West Alabama, Dr. Floyd graduated from Lowndes Academy in 1974, where he also worked as an All-Sports Athletic Trainer throughout his time there. In 1977, Dr. Floyd began a long tenured stint as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Blue Gray All-Stars which came to a close in 2001. In the midst of his time in Montgomery, Floyd obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education in 1980 before securing a Master's Degree in 1982 from West Alabama. Floyd's Academic career didn't stop there as he went on to secure an Ed.D. In Human Performance Studies from the University of Alabama in 1995.
Dr. Floyd's Hall of Fame worthy journey carried into the 2000s, beginning with his induction into the UWA Hall of Fame in 2001. Two years later, he was named the most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award by the NATA before being inducted into the SEATA Hall of Fame in 2008 and the NATA Hall of Fame in 2013. Later, in 2014, UWA and the Board of Trustees named their Athletic Training Facility after Floyd as it's now known as the R.T. Floyd Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Center.
As a licensed Athletic Trainer and Emergency Medical Technician, Floyd holds memberships across a various amount of professional organizations. The National Athletic Trainers' Association, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, American College of Sports Medicine, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Baseball Biomechanics Society, and the Athletics Equipment Managers' Association are certified organizations that have Floyd as an active member.
From 2017-2021, Floyd served a four-term on the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, before beginning a three-year term on the Advisory Council to the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers and Medical Examiners.
A GSC Hall of Fame Induction adds another nugget to a legendary career that is held by Dr. R.T. Floyd.
"Thank you to all who have given me the privilege of working with them and trusting me to provide their health care," Dr. Floyd closed.
