Recognition
Lionel University is recognized by respected accrediting and industry organizations.
Lionel University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. See accreditation & disclosures
Note: Industry partners and recognitions shown do not imply endorsement of outcomes, employment, or licensure.
Lionel University has been fully accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2009, ensuring high quality, flexible education for online learners nationwide.
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Lionel University is honored to support military-connected students with flexible, career-focused education designed for those who serve and their families.
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Our Certified Personal Trainer credential is recognized by the Health and Fitness Association, affirming alignment with national standards for fitness education.
Lionel University is designated as an Educational Recognition Program institution by the NSCA, a global leader in strength and conditioning standards.
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Founder
Founder and Co-CEO of Lionel University and a pioneering leader in fitness, health, and exercise science education.
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 mission to elevate the credibility of personal training by uniting gym-floor experience with evidence-based science. Under his leadership, ISSA grew into a globally recognized educational organization for fitness professionals.
Dr. Arria was also instrumental in the transformation of the ISSA College of Exercise Science into Lionel University, officially rebranding in 2022. This transition expanded academic pathways while preserving a practical, outcomes-driven approach to health, fitness, and wellness education.
His vision centers on creating a healthier world through highly educated fitness professionals who can serve as meaningful partners within the healthcare ecosystem. His educational philosophy emphasizes real-world application, interdisciplinary collaboration, and relevant career preparation.
Prior to his leadership in education, Dr. Arria built a distinguished career in sports medicine, including serving as a team doctor for USA Track & Field at the 1984 Olympics and the U.S. Powerlifting Team at three World Championships.
Dr. Arria helped guide the transition from ISSA College of Exercise Science to Lionel University, broadening the institution’s academic offerings while maintaining its focus on health, fitness, and wellness education.
His vision is centered on developing highly educated fitness professionals who can improve individual health, contribute to stronger communities, and collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals.
Dr. Arria’s experience in sports medicine and elite athletics helped shape his practical approach to exercise science education, performance, and integrated health solutions.
Through decades of leadership, Dr. Arria has worked to advance the fitness profession and strengthen the role of educated fitness professionals within the broader health and wellness landscape.
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Co-CEO
Co-Chief Executive Officer focused on leadership development, scalable academic systems, and workforce-connected education.
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 bringing people, strategy, and execution together in service of a shared mission.
Lehman holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Sales with a concentration in Health and Wellness from Weber State University. He began his career in the health and fitness industry in 1996 and earned his first personal training certification in 1999, later obtaining multiple professional credentials.
His industry background includes 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. In that role, he partnered with academic and operational teams to align curriculum innovation, digital education systems, and employer-connected workforce pathways.
Prior to Lionel University, Lehman served in leadership roles with organizations including the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), WebPT, Bolste, now Squad Pod, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Throughout his career, Lehman has focused on building high-performing, mission-driven teams, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and guiding organizations through sustainable change. As Co-CEO, he remains committed to developing people and ensuring Lionel University delivers practical, future-ready education that supports professionals and the communities they serve.
Chief Financial Officer
Strategic financial leader providing oversight, fiscal governance, and trusted financial guidance to support Lionel University’s long-term growth.
Bryan Simkanich, CPA serves as Acting Chief Financial Officer of Lionel University, providing strategic financial oversight and helping ensure strong fiscal governance through an outsourced executive partnership.
With more than a decade of experience in public accounting, Simkanich brings expertise in auditing, financial reporting, and organizational compliance, supporting Lionel University’s commitment to transparency and long-term sustainability.
Simkanich is a Signing Director at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA). Over the course of his career at CLA, he has progressed from Associate to Director and now Signing Director, developing a strong understanding of complex financial structures across education and mission-driven organizations.
His background in audit and outsourced financial services allows him to provide disciplined oversight while aligning financial operations with broader institutional goals.
In his role with Lionel University, Simkanich works closely with executive leadership to strengthen financial systems, support accurate and transparent reporting, and help guide responsible institutional 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 provides objective financial insight, disciplined governance, and trusted expertise to help ensure Lionel University remains financially sound as it continues expanding access, innovation, and impact in health and wellness education.
Chief Compliance Officer
Chief Compliance Officer focused on regulatory integrity, ethical practice, institutional accountability, and protecting the student experience.
Jenette Buffum serves as Chief Compliance Officer at Lionel University, where she leads the university’s efforts to uphold high standards of regulatory integrity, ethical practice, and institutional accountability.
In this role, Buffum partners closely with university leadership, academic teams, and operations to maintain compliance frameworks that protect students, support the 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 supporting a culture of transparency and continuous improvement across the university.
Her expertise supports oversight of accreditation practices, federal and state reporting requirements, and internal controls that contribute to a secure and student-centered learning environment.
Buffum’s approach to compliance is highly collaborative, working across departments to create systems that are clear, practical, and effective while reinforcing institutional accountability.
As Chief Compliance Officer, Buffum plays a key role in reinforcing Lionel University’s commitment to accountability, mission alignment, and strong standards of educational integrity.
Chancellor
Exercise science leader, educator, coach, and innovator focused on connecting scientific rigor with practical human performance and leadership development.
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.
Rooney 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.
Rooney 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 continues to set a high standard for excellence in human performance education.
Chief Academic Officer
Academic leader focused on student success, faculty excellence, and practical undergraduate education in health, fitness, and human performance.
Bobby L. Rollins serves as Chief Academic Officer 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.
Rollins holds an MBA in Project Management, earned with distinction, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Grantham University. He also holds 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 holds numerous professional 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, professional standards, and practical preparation in health, fitness, and human performance.
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 helped shape a leadership philosophy centered on discipline, mentorship, accountability, service, and the development of others.
Rollins has been a faculty member at Lionel University since 2016, serving as Professor, Undergraduate Faculty Supervisor, and now Chief Academic Officer. He remains 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.
Dean of Academic Innovation & Graduate Studies
Academic leader and educator focused on applied learning, workforce readiness, behavior change, and future-ready graduate education.
Dr. Erin Nitschke serves as Dean of Academic Innovation & Graduate Studies at Lionel University, where she leads the design and advancement of academic programs that connect 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.
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, leading curriculum development, faculty collaboration, and program innovation across exercise science, wellness, personal training, and strength and conditioning.
Dr. Nitschke holds numerous professional certifications, including NSCA-CPT, NFPT-CPT, ACE Health Coach, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Therapeutic Exercise Specialist, and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach.
Her multidisciplinary background reflects an approach that bridges exercise science, coaching, nutrition, behavior change, and professional practice.
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 professional development, coaching effectiveness, and sustainable behavior change.
As Dean of Academic Innovation & Graduate Studies, Dr. Nitschke is committed to ensuring Lionel University delivers relevant, applied, and future-ready education while strengthening the connection between academic learning, professional practice, and meaningful career outcomes.
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Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer with deep experience in growth strategy, brand development, and performance marketing.
Matthew Habecker serves as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Lionel University, where he leads marketing, communications, brand growth, customer acquisition, and digital strategy in support of the university’s mission and long-term growth.
With more than 15 years of experience across the health, wellness, fitness, education, and consumer sectors, Matthew has led growth and omnichannel marketing strategies that have contributed to more than $250 million in top-line revenue, $120 million in eCommerce revenue, and millions of organic clicks.
Matthew has built and led high-performing marketing teams, modernized technology and attribution infrastructure, and transformed paid media, SEO, conversion optimization, lifecycle marketing, communications, and customer acquisition programs.
His work has included scaling major digital channels, launching new products, strengthening brand positioning, improving customer journeys, reducing acquisition costs, and leading website, CRM, CMS, and marketing technology transformations.
Prior to Lionel University, Matthew served as Vice President of Growth Marketing at Summit Professional Education and held multiple executive growth and marketing roles at the International Sports Sciences Association, where he managed large teams, major marketing investments, acquisition integrations, and cross-brand growth initiatives.
Matthew’s broader experience includes leadership roles with ApexFoot, Actegy Health, and Bodybuilding.com, giving him extensive insight into performance marketing, brand growth, communications, and the broader health and fitness industry.
Matthew holds an MBA, Magna Cum Laude, from Willamette University and brings a data-driven, growth-focused approach to building brands, developing teams, strengthening communications, and creating marketing strategies that translate into measurable business results.
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86% of students are employed while enrolled, with a majority working 30+ hours per week
Most students are balancing full-time work, family, and school — a powerful testament to Lionel’s flexible, stackable program design
Despite demanding schedules, student satisfaction remains high
80%+ of students log in 3–6 days per week, showing strong commitment and consistent engagement
90%+ plan to continue to the next term, demonstrating exceptional retention and satisfaction
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98% of students said they are satisfied with their studies at Lionel
94–95% would recommend their course to a friend
90%+ achieved the learning goals they set at the beginning of the course
Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories
Top-rated traits: respect for students, prompt grading, and helpful feedback
Nearly every student felt valued and supported by their instructors
