Student Reviews & Testimonials for Lionel University

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Student Success Story

Darian Wilton

Program: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

Army veteran Darian Wilton transformed his passion for fitness into a lifelong career through Lionel University. While balancing military service, family, work, and school, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, graduated on the Chancellor's List, and continues pursuing his entrepreneurial goals in the fitness industry. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Read Darian's Story

Student Success Story

Courtney Briche

Program: Master Trainer Certificate

Military veteran Courtney Briche found her path into the fitness industry through Lionel University's flexible Master Trainer Certificate program. With the support of dedicated faculty and the ability to balance school with family and work, she transformed uncertainty into confidence and began building a meaningful career helping others improve their health and performance.

Read Courtney's Story

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Student Success Story

Kim Knight

Program: Associate of Science in Exercise Science

After nearly a decade of making fitness part of her everyday life, Kim Knight decided to take her passion further with Lionel University. While working full-time, raising two children with her husband, and managing a household, Kim earned her Associate of Science in Exercise Science along with six additional certifications. Lionel University's flexible programs and supportive staff helped her balance her responsibilities and reach graduation.

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Student Success Story

Christopher Shaddock

Program: Associate of Science in Exercise Science

Living in a small town in Iceland, Christopher Shaddock turned to Lionel University to deepen his understanding of fitness and nutrition. Through the Associate of Science in Exercise Science program, he identified and corrected habits that improved his own training while gaining knowledge he could share with other fitness professionals. His experience with Lionel’s education, staff, and student resources was so impactful that he began recommending the university to fellow trainers in Iceland.

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Student Success Story

Gary Benitz

Programs: Associate of Science in Exercise Science & Master Trainer Certificate

Gary Benitz describes his education at Lionel University as a challenging and rewarding experience, supported by timely instructor feedback and meaningful interaction with fellow students. After earning both his Associate degree and Master Trainer Certificate, Gary chose to continue his education in Lionel’s bachelor’s degree program. He looks forward to applying what he has learned to help his clients lead more active, healthy, and rewarding lives.

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Student Success Story

Autumn Nielsen

Achievement: Fredrick C. Hatfield Scholarship Recipient

Autumn Nielsen turned her passion for fitness into a mission to help others improve their overall wellbeing. After discovering how exercise positively transformed her own mental and physical health, she became determined to use her personal experiences and education to inspire others. As a fitness model and influencer, Autumn aims to share the benefits of an active lifestyle while using her Fredrick C. Hatfield Scholarship to continue building the knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact.

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Student Success Story

Sean Kelley

Education: College Degree & Multiple Fitness Certifications

Sean Kelley gained practical knowledge at Lionel University that he could apply both inside and outside of the gym. Lionel’s flexible approach allowed him to earn his college degree, obtain multiple fitness certifications, and gain professional experience in the fitness industry at the same time. For Sean, Lionel University provided the education and real-world preparation needed to build a career as a fitness professional.

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Student Success Story

Trish Bunnell

Program: Associate of Science in Exercise Science

After 19 years in an office career, Trish Bunnell used her Associate Degree in Exercise Science from Lionel University to turn her passion for fitness into a profession she loves. Lionel helped prepare her to transition confidently into coaching, and she now works as a Gym Manager, Strength & Conditioning Coach, and CrossFit Instructor in Louisville, Kentucky. For Trish, changing careers meant replacing a job she once dreaded with work she looks forward to every day.

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Student Success Story

Shannon Good

Programs: Associate of Science in Exercise Science & Master Trainer Certificate

Just one week after graduating, Shannon Good was hired at a gym and credits Lionel University’s knowledgeable staff, supportive instructors, and strong curriculum with helping prepare her for the opportunity. Along the way, she earned multiple certifications, a Master Trainer Certificate, and an Associate’s degree. Her education gave her the confidence and practical skills to create effective fitness programs that help a wide variety of clients make positive changes in their lives.

Aaron-Hlavacek

Student Success Story

Aaron Hlavacek

Program: Personal Trainer Certificate

Aaron Hlavacek began his journey at Lionel University expecting to earn a personal training certification, but his coursework quickly opened his eyes to the broader possibilities within exercise science. As he continued through the curriculum, Aaron discovered how much more there was to learn while gaining the practical knowledge and tools needed to build a successful career in the fitness industry.

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Student Success Story

Crystal Branco

Focus: Specialized Fitness Certifications & Career Growth

Crystal Branco describes her experience at Lionel University as life-changing. Through earning multiple specialized fitness certifications, she expanded her skills, strengthened her resume, and opened new professional opportunities. Her qualifications helped her secure a position with a growing women-focused training business, and she now works across two gyms while serving a variety of client populations.

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Student Success Story

Hayden Jolly

Programs: Master Trainer Certificate & Associate of Science in Exercise Science

While serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, Hayden Jolly began his Lionel University journey by earning the Master Trainer Certificate. Inspired to continue his education, he went on to earn his Associate of Science in Exercise Science. Hayden now applies that education at the Force Fitness Readiness Center, where he helps train new Force Fitness Instructors for the Marine Corps.

LIONEL STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Hear From Students Who Have Been There

From balancing military service and family responsibilities to advancing careers and returning to school later in life, Lionel students share how their education has helped them move forward.

Can I earn my degree while serving in the military?

Yes. Many Lionel students are active-duty military members, reservists, veterans, or military spouses.

“I had a regular job, the reserves, family, and school. It was tough in the beginning, but once I got into that routine, it was smooth sailing.”

— Darian Wilton, Army Veteran & Bachelor's Graduate

“When I was in Iraq, I told my instructors assignments would be late. They said, ‘Just get it to us anytime you can.’”

— Dominique Loving, Army Service Member

“The enrollment process took the fear out of it. It was streamlined, super easy, and I felt welcome from the very first day.”

— Harvey Cola

What makes Lionel University different from certifications alone?

Many students began with certifications before deciding to pursue a degree.

“If I had known this, I would've gone straight to the associate's degree versus the certification because you're more knowledgeable.”

— Terika Harrison

“With the degree, you're more in depth. You're learning things that I can apply on the gym floor with my actual clients right now.”

— Terika Harrison

“The degree was the missing piece. I had the experience and certifications, but employers wanted to see that bachelor's degree.”

— Rich Fitter

Will I actually learn skills I can use in the real world?

Students consistently report applying coursework immediately in their careers.

“I have a corrective exercise course where we're doing case studies, and it's helping me on the floor with my actual clients right now.”

— Terika Harrison

“One of the biggest takeaways was learning about transformation from a psychological standpoint. It changed how I coach people.”

— Kevin Marine

“The bachelor's degree actually got me the job. My employer asked if I had a four-year degree, and when I said yes, she told me she wanted me for the position.”

— Candace Rose

Are Lionel professors supportive?

One of the most common themes throughout student interviews was faculty support.

“No matter what your grade is, you get feedback. Even if you got a perfect score, the professor's feedback takes you to the next level.”

— Terika Harrison

“The instructors are top-notch. If you're having an issue, all you have to do is reach out and it gets handled.”

— Harvey Cola

“I've never had a bad experience with a professor or advisor. They're dead-on with helping me.”

— Candace Rose

Can I succeed if I'm returning to school later in life?

Many Lionel students returned to school after years—or even decades—away from education.

“At 60 years of age, I decided this is something I needed to get a formal education in. Receiving my associate's degree made me realize this is doable.”

— Harvey Cola

“I never actually thought I would get this far. I started with an associate's degree, and here I am in graduate school.”

— Candace Rose

Will Lionel help me advance my career?

Students often pursue Lionel degrees to open doors for advancement.

“The bachelor's degree actually got me the job.”

— Candace Rose

“If it wasn't for Lionel and the program, I wouldn't be where I am today.”

— Rich Fitter

“Lionel opened up doors and showed me how much more there is to fitness than I ever realized.”

— Darian Wilton

Is Lionel University good for fitness professionals who already have certifications?

Many students entered Lionel with multiple certifications and chose a degree to deepen their knowledge and expand their opportunities.

“The certification is good and it's quick to start, but once you're out there in real time and people start asking questions, you're going to want deeper knowledge.”

— Terika Harrison

“The degree was the key that opened the door.”

— Rich Fitter

Why do students recommend Lionel University?

Students consistently point to flexibility, support, industry-specific education, and community.

“It's a win-win. If you're thinking about it, don't think about it. Just do it.”

— Darian Wilton

“You are not a number here.”

— Harvey Cola

“The entire program was created by people who actually came from the fitness industry.”

— Gabriel Valdez

“Even when life is unpredictable, it is still possible to pursue your goals and achieve meaningful success with the right support and determination.”

— Leah Balmer

Lionel University is designed to help students pursue a career-focused education with flexibility, faculty support, and practical learning they can apply in the fitness and health industry.