Chris Camburn is in his eighth year at the University of Illinois Springfield in 2025–26 and serves as the Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer. In this expanded leadership role, he oversees the Sports Medicine department for UIS’ 17 athletic programs and also provides supervision of Sports Performance, ensuring the health, safety, and overall well-being of Prairie Stars student-athletes. He continues to serve as the primary athletic trainer for men’s basketball, tennis, and golf.
Camburn organized a critical incident simulation in March 2026. Students from the UIS Master of Athletic Training program and the UIC College of Nursing Springfield Campus participated in a mock emergency exercise at Kiwanis Stadium.
The simulation involved a staged bleacher collapse, with students serving as first responders to triage and treat simulated patients. The drill also provided an opportunity for UIS Athletics, UIS Police, the Springfield Fire Department, and local ambulance services to practice emergency response coordination and collaboration in a real-time scenario.
Before joining UIS, Camburn spent 12 years at Saginaw Valley State University, where he progressed from assistant athletic trainer (2006–17) to associate head athletic trainer (2017–18). In his final year, he was responsible for football and golf coverage.
A BOC-certified athletic trainer since 2006, Camburn is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Great Lakes Athletic Trainers’ Association, Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society, and College Athletic Trainers’ Society.
A Michigan native, Camburn earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Saginaw Valley State in 2005, followed by a master’s degree in health leadership in 2012. His experience also includes an athletic training internship with the Baltimore Ravens in 2005 and 2006.
Camburn continues to play a vital leadership role in UIS Athletics, guiding sports medicine operations and supporting the performance and care of Prairie Stars student-athletes.
