Dr. Lana M. Loken is an accomplished educator, certified athletic trainer (ATC), and dedicated mental health advocate with over two decades of multifaceted leadership across higher education, sports medicine, and community wellness ecosystems. Holding a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration, Dr. Loken has built a distinguished career bridging physical healthcare and psychological well-being. Her background encompasses extensive academic and clinical leadership, having served as a professor, department co-chair, and coordinator of clinical education, where she led vital initiatives in institutional assessment, accreditation, and student-athlete care.
At the core of Dr. Loken’s work is a passion for integrating mental health expertise into traditional athletic training frameworks. Complemented by graduate certificates in Sports Social Work and Mental Health Education, as well as credentials as a Mental Health First Aid instructor, her work emphasizes holistic athlete care. As a former Senior Education & Policy Specialist, she developed resilience-building workshops grounded in multi-dimensional wellness models, empowering students, staff, and community members to identify mental health challenges early and implement proactive support systems.
Throughout her career, Dr. Loken has remained deeply committed to service within the athletic training profession. Active in national and regional committees—including work with the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports—she frequently contributes to research, policy development, and community interventions centered around athlete mental health and crisis support. Her long-standing service to the field reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing clinical standards, mentoring future healthcare professionals, and championing compassionate, comprehensive care models.
This fall, Dr. Loken brings her deep clinical experience and specialized expertise to the University of Sioux Falls Cougars, joining the team as a PRN Athletic Trainer working directly with the USF Football program. Partnering with sports medicine staff, she looks forward to supporting the football team's physical preparation, injury prevention, and overall well-being both on and off the field
