CHS names Hoch chair of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) is excited to announce the naming of Matt C. Hoch, PhD, ATC, FNATA, as the new chair of the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition (ATCN), bringing an accomplished researcher, educator and clinician to a department that has experienced significant growth and success.

Hoch currently serves as a professor in the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition and will succeed Phillip Gribble, PhD, ATC, who on July 1 will transition into his new role as dean of the College of Health Sciences.

“My interest in this position was grounded in a deep appreciation for the outstanding faculty and staff who comprise the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition,” Hoch said. “The department has demonstrated significant growth and achievement under previous leadership, and I believe I am well positioned to build on that foundation and guide its continued evolution.”

Hoch steps into the role at a transformational moment for the College, which is preparing to partially move into a new facility and beginning a new chapter under fresh leadership.

“I view change as opportunity for growth and advancement,” Hoch said. “Moving to the new building will position us under the same roof as the College of Medicine, College of Public Health and College of Nursing, which will create new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and fulfilling healthcare needs in the Commonwealth.”

He added that he sees tremendous potential in the College’s future direction.

“I have confidence in the new dean to capitalize on these growth opportunities and shepherd us into the future,” Hoch said. “While change can present headwind, I expect these changes will result in more tailwind.”

A licensed athletic trainer for 20 years, Hoch has built an extensive career focused on advancing research and improving patient outcomes. His work has centered on musculoskeletal injury prevention, rehabilitation and clinical care, helping shape evidence-based approaches that improve the health and performance of patients and athletes.

Hoch earned his doctorate through the Rehabilitation and Health Sciences PhD Program within CHS and said his path to healthcare and academia began long before arriving at Kentucky.

“I started pursuing education to be an athletic trainer in high school, and helping people return to activities at their best ability after an injury has always been my motivation,” Hoch said. “During graduate training, I realized that my greatest contribution would come from advancing the science that informs and improves clinical practice.”

Hoch joined the University of Kentucky in July 2017 as a faculty member in the Athletic Training program, where he will continue to serve as the Senior Associate Director for the Sports Medicine Research Institute. 

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training in 2006 from East Stroudsburg University and his Masters of Science degree in Athletic Training from Ohio University in 2008. 

His research interests involve mitigating sensorimotor compromise and enhancing patient-centered care following traumatic lower extremity injuries to reduce the long-term consequences of these conditions over the lifespan. Dr. Hoch’s previous work has largely focused on identifying novel therapeutic intervention strategies for patients with chronic ankle instability.

As chair, Hoch said his priorities include continuing to strengthen the department’s research profile and exploring opportunities for future program development.

“Our department is unique in that we have a large composition of assistant professor-level faculty who are in research title lines,” he said. “One of my goals is to continue to increase the number of faculty who are principal investigators on federal grants.”

Long term, Hoch said he hopes to further expand interdisciplinary opportunities that build on the department’s expertise.

“I would also like to work with the faculty to explore opportunities to develop new programs which combine areas of expertise, such as injury prevention and clinical nutrition for the athlete,” he said.

Originally from West Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Hoch says he values the balance between his professional work and family life.

“We have an active family, and my two kids, Henry and Margaret, keep me busy with their activities, including dance and baseball,” he said. “Outside of those activities, we really enjoy traveling and getting to the gym.”

Scott Lephart, PhD and Dean of the College of Health Sciences, said Hoch’s experience within the department and his vision for its future make him the ideal leader for its next chapter.

“Matt Hoch is an exceptional scholar, educator, and leader whose dedication to advancing athletic training and clinical nutrition has already had a meaningful impact on our College and university,” said Scott Lephart, PhD and Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “I am excited to see him step into this important leadership role and look forward to the continued growth and excellence of the department under his guidance.”