For more than three decades, these are just a few of the words students, colleagues, and alumni have used to describe Joan Rocks.
After 34 years of service to Otterbein, Rocks retired last spring with emeritus status as chair of the Department of Health and Sport Sciences (HSS), concluding a career defined by leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to student success.
Rocks joined Otterbein in 1992 and served as department chair for the final two decades of her tenure. During that time, she helped transform HSS into one of the University’s strongest academic programs, expanding accredited offerings in high-demand fields, improving facilities, and creating more opportunities for experiential learning.
Dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience, Rocks championed best practices across the department and built a team equally committed to student success. Under her leadership, HSS moved into a reimagined facility in 2015 featuring clinical learning spaces, hands-on training areas, and collaborative environments that support both academic excellence and community.
A certified athletic trainer, Rocks also established the Athletic Training program, served as its director, and advised the Athletic Training Quiz Bowl team and the University Student Athletic Trainers Club. She personally mentored students and helped prepare seniors each year for the Board of Certification examination.
For countless students, Rocks’ influence extended far beyond the classroom.
“Dr. Rocks taught my first Allied Health course during my freshman year, and she instilled so much wisdom into my life. She always talked about the importance of being a good person, doing the right thing, and having confidence in yourself because one day, if you fall short, others will recognize your character. She is one of the most caring people I have met at Otterbein.”
– Julianna Grubich ’26, Allied Health major, Nutrition minor and Jean A. Rocks Mizia Endowed Scholarship recipient.
Throughout her career, Rocks emphasized six principles she hoped students would carry beyond graduation: take ownership, lead with empathy, be prepared, give your best effort, build relationships, and care for yourself.
“The goal at the end of the day is to help students be successful, figure out what they want to do, and show them that consistent effort leads to good outcomes.”
– Joan Rocks, Ph.D., LAT, ATC
Her impact reached well beyond the department. Rocks served as a faculty trustee on Otterbein’s Board of Trustees, advised the Epsilon Kappa Tau sorority, served on the Curriculum Committee, and represented the faculty as Faculty Athletics Representative.
A committed philanthropist, she supported numerous University initiatives and funds, including the Otterbein Fund, Turf and Track Campaign, Clements Recreation Center, Towers Renovation Fund, Marilyn E. Day Memorial Fund, Sports Medicine Equipment Fund, and Carl and Helen DeVore Memorial Humanitarian Fund.
Rocks has established an endowed scholarship in memory of her twin sister, the Jean A. Rocks Mizia Endowed Scholarship, and through a generous bequest intention, will establish another scholarship that will benefit an athletic training major.
Rocks’ contributions earned recognition both on campus and throughout her profession. At Otterbein, she received honors including the Master Teacher Award, the Women’s Forum Bread and Roses Award, and the Epsilon Kappa Tau Faculty Advisor of the Year Award. She also was recognized by the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association with distinctions including Ohio Athletic Trainer of the Year, the Service Award, the Linda Weber Daniel Outstanding Mentor Award, and induction into the association’s Hall of Fame.
As Rocks prepares for this next chapter, her leadership legacy continues through those she mentored. Following her retirement as department chair, HSS Professor Kristy McCray assumed the role.
“Her positive embrace of always trying to make Otterbein better, whether something little or big, made the faculty and student experience better.”
– Professor Kristy McCray, HSS chair
Her retirement marks the end of an era, but the impact of her leadership, mentorship, and service will continue to shape Otterbein for generations to come.