The Department of Exercise Science

Department of Health and Exercise Science

The Department of Health and Exercise Science focuses on the fundamental principles in health and the effects physical activity has on the human body. The department offers a B.S. in Exercise Science with a Clinical/Wellness concentration, a B.A. in Exercise Science with a Sports/Wellness Concentration, and a B.A. in Health and Physical Education with Certification degree. The degrees are designed to help students competitively enter the job market and/or pursue graduate students in a health and exercise science-related field.

Faculty

Sonia Tinsley, Ph.D., M.Ed., CHES

Nicholas Philpot, Ph.D.

Paris Babino

Adjunct Instructor

Crystal Nelson, MSEd, LAT, ATC

Faculty & Staff

Sonia Tinsley, Ph.D., M.Ed., CHES

Nicholas Philpot, Ph.D.

Paris Babino

DHES Student Organizations

Students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular learning organizations on campus. The Health & Exercise Science Club is open to all majors within the Department.

The Health & Exercise Science Club aims to:

Support health and exercise science education in a manner that encourages and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle within the campus and the community
Involves its members in social, moral, and ethical obligations of the health and exercise science professions
Contribute to the welfare of health and exercise science students and faculty associated with Louisiana Christian University
Provide programs (in-services) representative of fundamental and current professional interest and concern
Promote and encourage students' participation in health promotion and physical activity at LCU as well as community affairs or activities
Promote and encourage collaborative relationships with students and professionals within the health and exercise science professions
Increase the knowledge of the benefits and importance of a healthy and active lifestyle within the surrounding community
Stimulate professionalism among student members by encouraging participation in campus, local, state, district, and national conferences and workshops

Mission

The Health & Exercise Science Department works to prepare students to be highly qualified teachers and community leaders in health promotion and physical education; qualified instructors for fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, along with sport and recreation program directors. In each of our programs, the faculty are committed to developing professionals who will impact the health and wellness of children, adolescents, and adults from a Christ-centered worldview.

A hometown student-athlete from Alexandria, Louisiana, Gottlieb graduated from Louisiana College in 2013 with a degree in athletic training and earned her master’s in exercise science at LSU in 2015. She had a standout career, leading her team to a fourth consecutive division championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2012-13 season. Academically, she excelled, receiving the ASC Scholar Athlete Medal of Honor and other honors. Currently, she is the Women’s Basketball Director of Sports Performance at the University of Cincinnati, a position she has held since June 5, 2024.

Natosha Gottlieb, '13

Women’s Basketball Director of Sports Performance at the University of Cincinnati

"Louisiana Christian University is a place where you will not only be prepared for your future through the core knowledge needed to thrive in your field, but also through life-changing advice from amazing people that have already been where you are trying to go. LCU made it possible for me to be doing what I do today. Thank you Louisiana Christian University for equipping me with the knowledge and experiences needed to open my own business and do what I love to do every day."