Is a Career in Exercise Science Right For You? Take The Free Quiz
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 efforts to stem the tide of poor health and physical decline are multiplied exponentially as our graduates and members disseminate the institution’s principles and methods to their clients, peers and associates. 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 is unconditionally committed to providing the highest quality distance education programs available, advancing our industry as a whole, and developing greater access to 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.
Dr. Sal Arria is the Founder and Co-CEO of Lionel University and a pioneering force in the evolution of fitness, health, and exercise science education. Since the late 1970s, he has played a defining role in professionalizing the fitness industry by integrating applied science, real-world training, and healthcare collaboration.
In 1988, Dr. Arria co-founded the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) alongside Dr. Frederick Hatfield with a clear mission: to elevate the credibility of personal training by uniting gym-floor experience with evidence-based science. Under his leadership, ISSA grew into one of the most influential educational organizations for fitness professionals worldwide.
Building on that foundation, Dr. Arria was instrumental in the transformation of the ISSA College of Exercise Science into Lionel University, officially rebranding in 2022. This bold move established Lionel University as the first and only U.S. university dedicated exclusively to health, fitness, and wellness education, expanding academic pathways while preserving a practical, outcomes-driven approach to learning.
Dr. Arria’s vision centers on creating a healthier world through highly educated fitness professionals who operate as essential partners within the healthcare ecosystem. His curriculum philosophy emphasizes real-world application, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the elimination of unnecessary academic barriers.
Prior to his leadership in education, Dr. Arria built a distinguished career in sports medicine, serving as a team doctor for USA Track & Field at the 1984 Olympics and the U.S. Powerlifting Team at three World Championships. These experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to applied science, performance, and integrated health solutions.
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.
JoAnn Bauer earned her Master of Science in Exercise Science from Lionel University, a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Lionel University, and a Bachelor of Science in Conservation, Ecology, and Evolution from the University of Washington. She served in the US Coast Guard as a Search and Rescue Controller and Boarding Officer.
Ms. Bauer works as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Group Fitness Administrator at Thrive Community Fitness in Oak Harbor, WA. She specializes in foundational fitness, working with older adults, people managing chronic conditions, or those recovering from injury. Ms. Bauer developed Fit Foundations, a free-style strength training and balance group fitness class for the same demographic, and contributes regular choreography content for the AMPD group fitness brand.
She recently founded Combobulate Fitness, LLC to provide contract community fitness and in-home personal training.
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.
Michol Dalcourt earned his Master of Science in Exercise Science and his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Alberta. He holds additional certifications, including C.F.C. accreditation from the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologists and Certified Specialist with the Canadian Association of Fitness Professionals.
Mr. Dalcourt is an internationally recognized industry leader in health and human performance. He is the Founder and CEO of the Institute of Motion, the inventor of ViPR and ViPR PRO, and Co-Founder of PTAGlobal (which was acquired by NASM).
Mr. Dalcourt has served as Adjunct Faculty at the University of San Francisco in the Department of Sports Science and as Adjunct Faculty at the NAIT College School of Health Sciences. He currently sits on several Health Advisory Boards in the Health and Fitness Industry.
Mr. Dalcourt has given hundreds of international lectures. He has been a featured speaker at many of the world’s top health and coaching conferences, fitness clubs, and at many colleges and universities around the world. He has done extensive work in the areas of health and human performance. He consults with many of the health and fitness industry’s biggest companies - including Microsoft Health and Nike -among others.
For the past 5 years, through his company Institute of Motion, Mr. Dalcourt has worked with the government of Singapore to found ‘Active Health’, a nationwide initiative to scale health and well-being to every Singaporean.
James Gu has always been interested in helping others reach their potential. This passion led him to pursue a business degree from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College, and later complete both the massage and personal training programs at The Swedish Institute.
Mr. Gu started his career with Equinox as a massage therapist in 2006 and was quickly promoted to Spa Manager. Over the course of 15 years, he has held various positions within the company, including Membership Sales Advisor, Sales Manager, General Manager, Area Manager of Operations, Regional Director of Operations, Director of Operations and Senior Director of Spa. In 2020, James returned to the Spa as Senior Director of Spa.
Dr. Tedd Keating earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh, his Master of Science in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in Exercise Science from Manhattan College. Dr. Keating is a full-time Associate Professor of Exercise Science at Manhattan College with over 25 years of teaching, research, and curriculum development experience. Before this, he spent several years in various fitness and rehabilitation settings, developing programming for clients ranging from the older adult to the collegiate athlete.
Dr. Keating’s professional interests include all aspects of strength and conditioning and clinical exercise science. His research has focused on perceived exertion, intermodal differences in the exercise response, flexibility exercise, and warm-up/preparatory methods. He maintains advanced credentials from both the American College of Sports Medicine as well as the National Strength and Conditioning Association and regularly presents for both organizations.
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 2 NPC bikini competitions and was featured as a Rising Star in Oxygen magazine.
Angie Miller earned her Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Central Missouri and her Bachelor of Science in Education from Iowa State University. She is a speaker, writer, university educator, and mental health therapist who blends her skills and expertise to empower individuals and audiences worldwide, giving them mental and physical strategies for success.
A gifted communicator and natural leader, Ms. Miller is recognized for her authentic approach to helping individuals rise to their potential. Her audiences range from mental health, corporate, and fitness professionals, to students at the university level, but no matter the age, stage, or status in life, Angie believes that we’re all connected by a desire to live our lives feeling strong and healthy inside and out.
A respected fitness leader, Ms. Miller teaches workshops throughout the United States and abroad. She has been invited to speak at some of the most recognized health and fitness conferences, including IDEA World, NASM OPTima, and CanFitPro. She is a Master Instructor and Professional Development Educator for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and a mentor, subject matter expert, and contributing author for the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America. At Northern Illinois University, Ms. Miller taught courses in the Department of Kinesiology, including Stress Management, Sport Psychology, Yoga, Relaxation, and Methods of Group Fitness Instruction.
Michael Spiegel earned his Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from PennWest California and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Delaware. Starting out in New York City as a personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach, Mr. Spiegel naturally progressed to leadership roles, initially serving a team of 40+ personal trainers before quickly progressing to multi-unit leadership. At the Director level, Mr. Spiegel oversaw Personal Training, Small Group Training, Nutrition, Education and Recruiting, for 30 health clubs spanning the East Coast with over 500 trainers under his care.
In 2018, Mr. Spiegel took on the role of General Manager at Life Time, the nation’s premier, luxury, healthy lifestyle brand. After grand opening Life Time Chappaqua in Westchester, NY and serving as the GM of Life Time Syosset on Long Island, he returned to Manhattan to oversee Life Time Sky, NYC’s preeminent luxury athletic club & rooftop pool deck destination until May 2022.
As NYC’s Senior General Manager, Mike now directly oversees the impending, iconic Life Time One Wall Street destination, which is set to open in September '22, in addition to Life Time Studio Battery Park, while supporting the other Life Time Athletic Country Clubs In the NYC market.
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.
There is absolutely no commitment and no credit card required. The application is designed as an investment in you—to help you name what you truly want, evaluate all that you juggle, and design your future. Stop and start the application as needed. Your work is saved as you go.
Apply Now