2016 Hall of Fame Inductee
What does the quarterback of the Trojan football team become after graduation? A clinical researcher of the human immune system. To quote from his Hall of Fame nomination, Dr. Atkinson at Washington University in St. Louis “has published over 250 peer-reviewed, original scientific publications and over 180 reviews, case reports, editorials and book chapters…. He has 8 active patents and 12 actively funded grants.” He was just as busy his three years at Troy: Co-captain of the football team, forward on the varsity basketball squad, baseball Honor “T”, Sophomore and Junior Class president, President of Student Congress and King of the All-School Party. After Topeka High, he earned his Bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Kansas (Phi Beta Kappa). Since 1971, Dr. Atkinson has been associated with Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, and the Washington University School of Medicine.