BRADFORD, Pa. – Mitch Vleminckx, head athletic trainer at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, was honored with the President’s Award for Staff Excellence during Honors Convocation held April 10.

                The President’s Award for Staff Excellence was set up to recognize staff members who have shown exemplary performance and made outstanding contributions to campus. The award includes a framed certificate and $1,500 to be used to enhance professional development.

                Pitt-Bradford president Richard Esch praised Vleminckx as the kind of staff member whose hard work and concern for students is noticed not only by his fellow staff members, but by the students themselves. “Mitch is a genuine caregiver who is there for the students he serves in so many ways,” Esch said. “He’s one of a kind.”

                Vleminckx, who came to Pitt-Bradford in 2022, was nominated by Athletic Director Bret Butler. As head athletic trainer, Vleminckx works with more than 300 Pitt-Bradford athletes, but Butler said he provides student-athletes with more than physical care for injuries and prevention of injuries.

                “Mitch also serves as a mental health advocate, student athlete resource and good friend to a lonely first-year student,” Butler said in his nomination. Butler also praised Vleminckx’s work ethic and ability to pick up the caseload of a second trainer during gaps in coverage. “He is beloved by our student athletes and athletics staff.”

                Vleminckx earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and master’s degree in athletic training from Slippery Rock University.

                The President’s Award for Staff Excellence was first awarded in 2016 by then-president Dr. Livingston Alexander. Recent recipients include Leasa Maley, retired assistant director of auxiliary services; Joelle Warner, director of major gifts and stewardship; and Christina Marrone, registrar and director of enrollment services; and Kimberly Masone, former conference services manager.