About Lionel University

Joshua Lehman serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Lionel University, where he focuses on building aligned leadership teams, scalable academic systems, and workforce-connected education models that support long-term student and institutional success. With nearly three decades of experience across education, organizational leadership, and the health and wellness industry, Lehman is known for his ability to bring people, strategy, and execution together in service of a shared mission.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Sales with a concentration in Health and Wellness from Weber State University and began his career in the health and fitness industry in 1996. He earned his first personal training certification in 1999 and has since obtained multiple professional credentials, grounding his leadership in extensive, firsthand industry experience. His background spans the health club sector, including leadership roles with Gold’s Gym, ownership of fitness facilities, and the development of high-performance training centers serving diverse populations.

Before becoming Co-CEO, Lehman held several senior leadership roles at Lionel University, including Chief Strategy Officer, where he partnered closely with academic and operational teams to unify curriculum innovation, digital education systems, and employer-aligned workforce pathways. Prior to Lionel University, he served in leadership roles with organizations such as the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), WebPT, Bolste (now Squad Pod), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), contributing to organizational growth through collaboration, modernization, and learner-centered design.

Throughout his career, Lehman has been recognized for building high-performing, mission-driven teams, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and leading organizations through thoughtful, sustainable change. As Co-CEO, he remains committed to strengthening institutional culture, developing people, and ensuring Lionel University delivers practical, future-ready education that elevates both professionals and the communities they serve.

Bryan Simkanich, CPA serves as Acting Chief Financial Officer of Lionel University, providing strategic financial oversight and ensuring strong fiscal governance through an outsourced executive partnership. With more than a decade of experience in public accounting, Simkanich brings deep expertise in auditing, financial reporting, and organizational compliance, supporting the university’s commitment to transparency and long-term sustainability.

Simkanich is a Signing Director at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), one of the nation’s leading professional services firms. Over the course of his career at CLA, he has progressed from Associate to Director and now Signing Director, developing a comprehensive understanding of complex financial structures across education and mission-driven organizations. His background in audit and outsourced financial services allows him to deliver rigorous oversight while aligning financial operations with institutional goals.

In his role with Lionel University, Simkanich works closely with executive leadership to strengthen financial systems, ensure accuracy and integrity in reporting, and support responsible growth. He is recognized for his commitment to professional standards, ethical practice, and collaborative partnership, helping organizations maintain strong financial foundations while advancing their mission.

As Acting CFO, Simkanich plays a key role in supporting Lionel University’s leadership team by providing objective financial insight, disciplined governance, and trusted expertise—ensuring the institution remains financially sound as it continues to expand access, innovation, and impact in health and wellness education.

Jenette Buffum serves as Chief Compliance Officer at Lionel University, where she leads the university’s efforts to uphold the highest standards of regulatory integrity, ethical practice, and institutional accountability. In this role, Ms. Buffum partners closely with leadership, academic teams, and operations to ensure that Lionel University maintains strong compliance frameworks that protect students, support institutional mission, and align with applicable laws and educational standards.

With extensive experience in compliance, policy interpretation, and risk management, Buffum brings a strong foundation in overseeing processes that safeguard student outcomes and institutional credibility. She is responsible for developing and implementing compliance strategies, monitoring regulatory changes, and fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement across the university.

Buffum’s commitment to ethical leadership is reflected in her collaborative approach — working with cross-functional teams to build systems that are both effective and accessible. Her expertise supports robust oversight of accreditation practices, federal and state reporting requirements, and internal controls that contribute to a secure and student-centered learning environment.

As Chief Compliance Officer, Buffum plays a key role in reinforcing Lionel University’s dedication to accountability, mission alignment, and the highest standards of educational integrity.

Dr. Nicholas D. Barringer serves as Chief Academic Officer at Lionel University, bringing a distinguished combination of academic leadership, professional expertise, and military service to the institution. A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps, Dr. Barringer completed 21 years of dedicated military service, advancing the fields of kinesiology, nutrition, and human performance across tactical and academic environments.

Dr. Barringer holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Georgia. His academic career reflects a sustained commitment to bridging rigorous science with applied practice in health, performance, and resilience.

Prior to joining Lionel University, Dr. Barringer served as Program Director for the Army–Baylor Graduate Program in Nutrition, where he led advanced graduate education and research initiatives. He also held academic appointments as an Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, developing innovative curricula focused on performance nutrition and human performance optimization.

A prolific researcher and sought-after speaker, Dr. Barringer has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. His work centers on performance nutrition, tactical athlete optimization, and strategies to enhance physical and mental resilience. He is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, reflecting his multidisciplinary expertise.

During his military career, Dr. Barringer held key leadership roles supporting elite units, including the 75th Ranger Regiment, and was awarded multiple honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. As Chief Academic Officer, he is committed to academic excellence, curriculum innovation, and advancing Lionel University’s mission to lead in exercise science, wellness, and human performance education.

Martin Rooney is the Chancellor of Lionel University, bringing more than 25 years of leadership at the forefront of exercise science, human performance, and professional education. A respected educator, coach, and innovator, Rooney’s career has been defined by bridging science, application, and leadership development at scale.

He holds a Master of Health Science and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Exercise Science from Furman University. His academic foundation, paired with decades of real-world experience, has shaped his ability to translate evidence-based principles into practical systems that elevate coaches, practitioners, and organizations.

Rooney is the founder of Training for Warriors, a globally recognized education company with certified professionals in more than 30 countries. He is also the author of multiple bestselling books on coaching, leadership, and motivation, influencing thousands of professionals across the health, fitness, and performance industries.

His work spans curriculum development, global leadership training, and keynote speaking for organizations including Nike, Marriott International, and the U.S. military. As Chancellor, Rooney is focused on building a future-ready university, developing leaders who combine scientific rigor with purpose-driven impact, and ensuring Lionel University sets the standard for excellence in human performance education.

Bobby L. Rollins serves as Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Lionel University, where he provides academic leadership and oversight focused on student success, faculty excellence, and applied learning within undergraduate programs. With decades of experience spanning higher education, fitness education, and military leadership, Rollins brings a steady, student-centered approach to curriculum delivery and instructional quality.

He holds an MBA in Project Management (with distinction) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Grantham University, as well as an Associate of Arts in Exercise Science from the International Sports Sciences Association. His academic background is complemented by extensive professional training, including completion of the U.S. Army Master Fitness Trainer Course.

Rollins brings deep industry and instructional expertise, holding numerous certifications across personal training, nutrition, strength and conditioning, senior fitness, exercise therapy, group fitness, youth fitness, and post-rehabilitation training. His experience reflects a lifelong commitment to applied education and professional standards in health, fitness, and human performance.

In addition to his academic leadership, Rollins served 27 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major. Throughout his military career, he held key instructional and advisory roles, including Small Group Instructor, Course Facilitator at the Sergeants Major Academy, and Instructor for advanced officer education programs. These experiences shaped his leadership philosophy centered on discipline, mentorship, accountability, and service.

Rollins has been a faculty member at Lionel University since 2016, serving as Professor, Undergraduate Faculty Supervisor, and now Dean of Undergraduate Studies. He is deeply committed to faculty development, student mentorship, and ensuring undergraduate programs deliver practical, high-quality education that prepares students for meaningful careers in health, fitness, and wellness.

Dr. Erin Nitschke serves as Dean of Workforce Innovation and Curriculum at Lionel University, where she leads the design and advancement of academic programs that align education with workforce readiness, professional standards, and long-term career pathways in health, wellness, and human performance.

With more than two decades of experience in higher education and the health and fitness industry, Dr. Nitschke is a respected educator, academic leader, and author known for her work in exercise science, behavior change, and student-centered curriculum development. Her leadership focuses on creating applied, evidence-based learning experiences that prepare learners to succeed across diverse professional environments.

Dr. Nitschke holds a Doctorate in Adult and Postsecondary Education, a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Health, and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science. She has served in multiple academic leadership roles, including Program Director of Sciences and Director of Health and Human Performance, where she led curriculum development, faculty collaboration, and program innovation across exercise science, wellness, personal training, and strength and conditioning disciplines.

She holds numerous professional certifications, including NSCA-CPT, NFPT-CPT, ACE Health Coach, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Therapeutic Exercise Specialist, and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach that bridges science, coaching, and behavior change.

In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Nitschke is a published industry author and contributor, writing for organizations such as ACE, IDEA Fitness Journal, and NFPT on topics related to professional development, coaching effectiveness, and sustainable behavior change.

As Dean of Workforce Innovation and Curriculum, Dr. Nitschke is committed to ensuring Lionel University delivers relevant, applied, and future-ready education, strengthening the connection between learning, professional practice, and meaningful career outcomes.