The Exercise and Sport Science major and minor at Madonna University is designed to provide a comprehensive program of study to provide another entry point for students into the growing health promotion and sport management related fields. Students will be equipped with the knowledge to motivate others of all ages, backgrounds, and health status to become more physically, mentally, and socially fit.
Gain experience investigating current nutritional issues related to fad diets, obesity, aging, athletic performance, food sustainability and motivating clients to make change.
If you’ve dreamed of having fun while working, major in Sport Management at Madonna. Starting with your introductory courses, you can expect hands-on and challenging assignments that expose you to the inner workings of the industry. As a graduate, you will have had the necessary coursework, experiential opportunities, and networking to start in this dynamic industry.
As an Aging Studies student, you will be prepared to address the growing and evolving concerns of an aging population. Gain skills, promote positive aging, and help older adults retain their health and well-being so they can achieve their highest potential.
Michele Lewis Watts has 25 years of experience in sports and event management, starting her career at the Detroit Pistons followed by stints at several area non-profits in guest services, youth development, operations, and business development. She also served as Vice President of Events for the 2006 Super Bowl XL Host Committee and Vice President of Events and Community Outreach for the 2009 Final Four Organizing Committee. She is nearing completion of her Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science at Wayne State University, researching the impact of gender stereotypes on the gender and athletic identities of African American girl athletes.
A former collegiate volleyball player, Michele coaches club volleyball and helped launch the Detroit Volleyball Coaches Association. She joined the board of Detroit PAL in 2011 and currently serves as Board Vice Chair and chair of the Women’s Committee.
B.S. Bethel University
M.S. Wayne State University
M.A. Eastern Michigan University
734-432-5807, 2228E
Kathryn received her undergraduate degree from Bethel University in Physical Education. She holds a Master’s Degree from Wayne State University in Sports Administration and a Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan in Elementary Education. Before joining Madonna University, Kathryn taught in the K-12 setting for 27 years. Her passion is to prepare teachers and others to promote fitness and health to all ages.
Kathryn is currently an Assistant Professor and Director of the Physical Education and Exercise and Sport Sciences Programs where she has taught for the past 10 years. She has served on several committees at the State and local levels, and has participated in the writing of current physical education and health standards for the State of Michigan.
B.S. Central Michigan University
M.S. Lipscomb University
Ph.D. Concordia University (in progress)
Nicholas joined Madonna University in the fall of 2018 and currently teaches in the Exercise and Sports Science department. In addition to teaching at Madonna, Nicholas is a corporate wellness instructor and a strength and conditioning coach for Livonia City Football Club. He has over eight years of experience in the health and wellness industries with notable stops with Vanderbilt University Football, Lipscomb University recreation and tennis teams, and Olivet Nazarene University volleyball.
Nicholas is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) and a USA Weightlifting Level 1 coach (USAW). His unique experience and research applications translate directly into his higher education teaching. Nicholas’ research and teaching interests include sports nutrition applications, obesity dietary programming, human physiology, and fitness program design/ periodization.
B.S., Western Michigan University
M.S., Illinois State University
734-432-5605
Peter Benjamin is entering his fourth year at Madonna University and was named head athletic trainer to begin the 2016-17 season. With the new distinction, Benjamin becomes the first in Madonna University history to hold the head athletic trainer position.
Benjamin previously worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Hillsdale College for two and a half years working primarily with the football, men’s basketball and baseball teams. He also taught Therapeutic Modalities, Core Strengthening and Introduction to Athletic Training during his time at Hillsdale.
While in Graduate School at ISU, Benjamin worked at Illinois Wesleyan University primarily with the football, men’s soccer and women’s basketball teams. In 2012, Benjamin’s ISU women’s basketball team won the Division III National Championship.
In the summers from 2011-2015, Benjamin worked with youth hockey teams at Miami (OH) for their Hockey School. Benjamin is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and was a certified Emergency Medical Technician-Basic from 2007-2010. Benjamin specializes in manual muscle therapy and is certified in Graston technique. He received his Bachelors in Science from Western Michigan University in 2011 and his Masters from Illinois State University in 2013. Born and raised in Ypsilanti, Benjamin now resides in Canton with his wife, Sarah and daughter Anna.
