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Faculty Spotlight, Leading Students to Great Internships

We all have mentors in life that help us perfect our skills and find our way.  For community health graduates in HLKN, there is usually one man who stands out the most:  Dr. Jerry Elledge (Associate Professor, HLTH) and coordinator of the undergraduate internship program in community health.

Dr. Elledge came to Texas A&M University from Brownwood, Texas, on a football scholarship.  After earning his BS in Zoology in 1964, he taught general science and physical education, and was head coach in Karnes City, Texas-a small town of about 3,500 people approximately 60 miles southeast of San Antonio. 

"In those days," Dr. Elledge adds, reflecting on his coaching experience, "I had to mow and mark my own football field.  I left as Athletic Director eight years later."

In 1970, he was hired as defensive coordinator for the Tarleton State University Texans football team in Stephenville, Texas.  While there he earned his M.Ed. in Educational Administration and became a licensed athletic trainer.

Four years later, his longtime mentor, Emil "Mammy" Mamaliga, a legendary Texas A&M strength coach, encouraged him to come to A&M to teach in the Department of Health and Physical Education  Dr. Elledge returned to Texas A&M, and earned his Ph.D. in Health and Physical Education in 1976.  In 1977, he started at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La., as an associate professor.  After less than a year, he accepted a position as an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at A&M.

In the early 1980's, Dr. Elledge was asked to help coordinate internships for undergraduate community health majors. 

"Eventually, I just ended up doing it myself, and I have records dating back at least 20 years to show for it," he laughs, remembering how he began coordinating internships on his own.

"The Community Health degree was good, but it needed good, practical transitional time between college and the real world," he says, explaining the internship experience.

The internship moved from a six credit hour internship to a 12 credit hour, semester-long internship based on the argument that it took time for the students to reach their full potential at the internship site.

"I like [the internship] because it is a good learning process and it's a great transitional from college to the real world."

His love for helping his students and what he does comes across clearly. "I get up every morning because I like what I do, I like to be productive," he laughs.  "Besides, it beats the alternative."

Written By Lucy Matkin, '06, Master of Health Education

 

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