Lionel University believes that the health and fitness of our society can be significantly improved by our students’ success as health, sports, and fitness professionals. Our mission is to inspire each and every student to positively impact the quality of life of each individual with whom they come in contact.
As a distance education institution and industry leader, Lionel University provides high-quality distance education programs and develops career opportunities for those who share our vision of Creating a Stronger, Healthier World™.
In 1988, the most powerful team of fitness experts ever assembled joined together under the leadership of Sal Arria, DC, MSS, and Frederick Hatfield, PhD, MSS, to allow personal training students the ability to acquire knowledge through distance education. Drawn from the elite ranks of research, coaching, sports medicine, and sports and fitness science, these innovators drew a line in the sand to turn the tide toward a more fit and healthy world and transform the fitness of the planet.
Since that initial gathering in 1988, the institution has catapulted to the forefront of the fitness community through its student-centered approach and firm understanding of personal training and exercise science as true healthcare. Formerly the ISSA College of Exercise Science, the institution was the first mover in the personal training education space in the ‘80s, one of the first institutions to offer online study in the ‘90s, the first in the fitness industry to earn accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the US Department of Education, and the first to develop degree programs specifically for personal training.
As a member of the Sports Medicine Committee for the United States Powerlifting Federation since 1985, Dr. Arria served as a team doctor for three United States Powerlifting Federation World Championships. He also served as a team doctor for the United States Track and Field team at the 1984 Olympic Games.
Achievements in his personal athletic career include winning the California State Powerlifting championships three times and ranking in the top three in the USA in the 220-pound and 242-pound divisions. He has appeared on numerous national television shows airing on CNBC, ESPN, and the Family Channel and was the Executive Director of the American Institute of Health Education’s TELLY AWARD winning show The Five-Step Back Solution. Dr. Arria was also the Fitness Program Designer for Kathy Ireland’s abdominal training video, ABSolutely Fit.
Dr. Arria is a respected educator and has been appointed as a Special Advisor to the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. Additionally, he is a founding member of the Board of Fitness Examiners, a not-for-profit organization that is responsible for defining scopes of practice, standards, and national board examinations for personal fitness professionals.
Dr. Alex Hoffmann has been involved in the fitness industry for nearly two decades, and he has a strong background in developing both onsite and online academic curricula for exercise science degree programs. Dr. Hoffmann has served on the faculty of multiple higher education institutions and has been involved with the curriculum design and instruction of fitness education programs for the United States Army, the United States Sports Academy, and the Shanghai Sports Bureau.
Prior to working in a university setting, Dr. Hoffmann’s experience in the fitness industry included having worked as a Master Fitness Trainer course instructor for the United States Army, a strength and conditioning coach, a nutrition coach, and a personal trainer.
Dr. Hoffmann earned a Doctorate of Education in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy, a Master of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Central College.
Josh Bryant earned a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania. His professional experiences include strength coach and personal trainer. Mr. Bryant is the owner of JoshStrength, a fitness and conditioning organization. His career highlights include being the youngest person to bench press 600 pounds raw and 2005 Strongest Man in America, and he totaled 2294 at the United States Powerlifting Federation Mountaineer Cup.
Matthew Evans earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Kaplan University. He is a certified personal trainer from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Mr. Evans currently serves as the Executive Director at the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley in Davenport, Iowa. He previously worked as a Senior Program Director and as a Wellness Director at the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.
Sara Fleming earned a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Georgetown University. She is certified by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) as a Fitness Trainer, Youth Fitness Trainer, and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, as well as USA Weightlifting and USA Track and Field. Ms. Fleming has served as an assistant coach & strength coach for the Carolina Elite youth track and field club, while designing and teaching strength and fitness classes for third and fourth graders at Baileywick Elementary School, in Raleigh, NC. Ms. Fleming has authored a certification course for the ISSA, “Specialist in Group Fitness,” which she is currently teaching for the ISSA’s online college. Prior to her training career, Ms. Fleming worked as a medical researcher for ten years in both the university and private sector in which she co-authored many scientific articles and grant applications.
Quentin Green earned an Associate degree in Exercise Science and title of ISSA Master Trainer. He has been certified with the ISSA since 2015. His active certifications include Certified Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Specialist in Strength & Conditioning, Youth Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Senior Fitness, Specialist in Group Fitness, Specialist in Sports Nutrition, Corrective Exercise Specialist, CrossFit Level-1 Coach, and United States Marine Corps sponsored High Intensity Tactical Training and Combat Conditioning Instructor. Marine Master Sergeant Green is the manager of the Command’s Body Composition and Remedial Conditioning Programs, and he is the resident High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) Instructor. Quentin also holds a part-time position with Semper Fit Health Promotion and Fitness, Marine Corps Community Services where he works as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, tactical strength and conditioning coach, performance nutrition counselor, and youth fitness trainer.
Megan Meisner earned two bachelor’s degrees in Program Management and Commercial Recreation with an Exercise Science minor from Illinois State University. She also completed the ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer program. Ms. Meisner worked as a contributor to Amazing Wellness, Muscle & Performance, Train and Train for Her magazines. Additionally, she worked with Human Kinetics as an exam writer and contributor. In 2014, she resigned from a full-time job in corporate fitness to become self-employed by offering online services and healthy living resources (meganmeisnerfitness.com). She has competed in two NPC bikini competitions and was featured as a Rising Star in Oxygen magazine.
Dorette Nysewander earned a Doctor of Educational Leadership degree in Health Care Education from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Nysewander is the owner and president of D Group Consulting Services, Inc., A Wellness Education Consulting company, which delivers evidence-based solutions to help clients improve the health and well-being of all. D Group has designed and implemented 170 Health & Wellness Centers for Fortune 100 Companies, JNJ, and the YMCA; it has also provided innovative curriculums and organizational initiatives for clients over four continents. She is approved by the American Psychological Association to consult and coach using multiple instruments.
Bob Rollins holds an associate degree in Exercise Science, a bachelor’s degree in Business, and Master of Business Administration with a Project Management concentration. He also earned a Master Trainer Certification from the International Sports Sciences Association College of Exercise Science (ISSA CES). Mr. Rollins is a retired Command Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army and a former U.S. Army Master Fitness Trainer. He currently serves as a faculty member and personal trainer.
Brian K. Theiss earned an Associate of Arts degree in Biology from Moorpark College and his personal trainer certification from the International Sports Sciences Association. Brian has trained numerous Fortune 500 executives, professional and elite athletes, and high-profile entertainers. He has been an internationally awarded Executive Health and Wellness Consultant since 1987. Mr. Theiss has the distinction of being the very first Certified Fitness Trainer by the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). In 2016, the ISSA again recognized Theiss, as the No. 1 Executive Health and Wellness Consultant among 250,000 fitness and wellness professionals in 93 countries.
Chad Waterbury received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California, the nation’s No. 1 ranked program. He also has a MS in Physiology and a BS in Exercise Science. Chad is an instructor of clinical physical therapy at the University of Southern California, and he’s the creator of the ISSA’s Corrective Exercise certification course. Dr. Waterbury is an advisor to Men’s Health magazine, and he’s the author of Huge in a Hurry by Rodale Publishing.
Erik E. Wilkins earned an Associate of Science degree in Exercise Science from the International Sports Sciences Association College of Exercise Science (ISSA CES) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
Mr. Wilkins is the Founder and Lifestyle Wellness Consultant of Efficient Results Visionary Enterprise, LLC, and has dedicated the past 15 years to educating over 400 individuals in the health, wellness, and fitness field in North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, and Virginia. He has been recognized in the State of Mississippi for developing several awareness campaigns to educate members of the local communities about early detection and prevention of common illnesses. He spearheaded the First Annual Efficient Results Prostate Cancer Awareness Marathon, which not only united the residents in Brookhaven, Mississippi, but also provided awareness of one of the most common cancers affecting men. When he is not guiding his clients toward finding their life purpose, Erik is diligently working as a leader in the United States Army.
Jason Williams received his doctorate degree from the United States Sports Academy with an emphasis in Sports, Health, and Fitness. He is certified as a Master Trainer with the ISSA and CSCS with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Dr. Williams is also a full-time faculty member on campus at Florida State University (FSU) and regularly consults with FSU athletic coaches.
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