Faculty Directory
Dr. Tomi Wahlstrom Biography
Before joining the United States Sports Academy as vice president of academic affairs, Wahlström served as acting dean at Schiller University and academic facilitation manager at Ultimate Medical Academy, both in Tampa, Fla.
He previously served for more than a decade at the American Intercontinental University (AIU) in Chicago, Ill., and Los Angeles, Calif., where he held numerous roles including lead faculty, program chair, associate vice president of academic affairs and dean of business.
Wahlström previously served as vice president of academic affairs at Argosy University in Tampa, Fla., dean of professional studies and human services at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Fla., and executive director of the Center for Social Responsibility and Community for the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oneonta. He has also served on the faculty for the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Colorado State University Pueblo and the University of Maryland.
In addition to his work in education, Wahlström has for more than a decade managed Otavala Consulting, Inc., a nationally recognized firm that specializes in strategic planning, organizational development and leadership in higher education. He previously owned management consulting companies Omni Management Group in Colorado and Apollo Consulting in Hawaii.
Throughout his career, Wahlström has specialized in management consulting, leadership coaching, career counseling, conflict mediation and public speaking. He has also served as a clinical/family therapist.
Wahlström holds a Doctor of Management degree from Colorado Technical University, a master’s degree in human resource management from the Hawaii Pacific University and a master’s degree in instructional design from Saint Leo (Fla.) University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hawaii Pacific.
Dr. Fred Cromartie's Biography
At the Academy, Cromartie has held various leadership positions including: Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Chair of Sports Studies, Chair of Sports Medicine, Chair of Health and Fitness Management, Chair of Sports Coaching, Executive Director of Alumni Relations and a member of the Alumni Associations Board of Directors, Director of Student Services, Director of Continuing Education, Distance Learning Faculty Member, Admissions Counselor and Graduate Assistant.
Cromartie was recognized for his service to the Academy by being selected as The Distinguished Alumnus of the Year 2002.
Dr. Brandon Spradley's Biography
Dr. Brandon Spradley earned his doctoral degree from the Academy in sports management and currently serves as the Chair of Sports Management. Spradley previously served as the Director of Continuing Education working on international programs and special projects. He has been to Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates on international assignments helping to teach and develop sport education programs across the world.
Spradley’s dissertation focused on concussion awareness and education and he has been diligent about educating athletes and coaches about sport-related concussions. He has been involved in developing and facilitating concussion awareness programs in Mobile and Baldwin County and serves as a concussion educator for the Academy. Spradley played an integral role in helping the University of South Alabama educate more than 700 high school football players in Mobile County through the help of an NCAA grant.
Spradley was a track and field sprinter at the University of Alabama, where he completed his master’s and bachelor’s degrees. He was a four-time NCAA regional qualifier and a two-time NCAA national qualifier in track and field running on nationally ranked relay teams in 2009 and 2010.
Dr. Sandra Geringer
Director of Recreation Management and Sports Studies
Dr. Sandra Geringer's Biography
Previously, Geringer served as Study Abroad Coordinator at Cuyahoga Community College in Highland Hills, Ohio, where she assisted students with opportunities to study abroad. At the same institution, she served as program assistant at the Global Issues Research Center.
She earlier served as an office manager for Project HOPE-Virginia in Williamsburg, Va., which is Virginia’s program for the education of homeless children and youth.
Geringer also has served as the assistant director of special events for the Athletic Department at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg,Va., and recreational coordinator at the Chagrin Valley Recreation Department in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Geringer has extensive experience as a tennis professional and has coached women’s and men’s tennis teams at the high school and collegiate levels. She was the interim head men’s and women’s varsity tennis coach at Cleveland State University in Ohio. She has held the position of tennis professional in the resort, private club, and recreational settings for over 15 years.
Geringer has taught numerous courses abroad for the Academy, including the International Diploma in Physical Education and Sport Coaching in Malaysia and the Sport Authority of Thailand Certification in Sports Management program.
She was a member of the women’s varsity tennis team and earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a major in sports management from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1997, and a master’s degree in education with a focus on higher education administration from the College of William and Mary in 2011.
Dr. Brian Wallace's Biography
After earning his Ph.D. in exercise physiology from Florida State University (FSU), Wallace directed the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Fitness and Testing Center at Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center. He also has served as senior vice president of applied physiology and nutrition for the Human Performance Institute in Orlando, Fla., and executive director of the lifestyle and performance center at Evolution Sports Science in Boston, Mass.
Wallace has served as an adjunct professor at FSU, as well as a seminar speaker and consultant for Cross Country Education (Vyne Education). He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and has numerous publications in scientific, medical and fitness journals.
Wallace has an extensive research record and his certifications have included the ACSM and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He has more than 30 years of experience with everyone from Olympic and professional athletes to cardiac and diabetic patients. This background has allowed Wallace to create a cutting edge physiologic testing system that blends the most recent advances in health, fitness, and nutrition science to identify individual strengths, weaknesses and needs.
Wallace earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in exercise physiology from Southern Illinois University.
Dr. Roch A. King's Biography
King served as the director of sport development for Indiana Swimming and oversaw the High-Performance Plan for club swimming throughout the state. He has coached swimming at all levels from age-group to masters including serving on the staff at Carmel Swim Club (CSC) and Carmel High School in Carmel, Ind. King has also held coaching certifications in volleyball and water polo.
King served a three-year term on the executive board of the National Council for the Accreditation of Coaching Education, during which he served one year as president (2006-2007). He has celebrated his 18th year as a senior trainer for the Positive Coaching Alliance for whom he has led live workshops for coaches, athletes, parents, and youth sport organization leaders across the country. King has presented on coaching and coach education internationally in countries such as the United Kingdom, Thailand, Malaysia, and Finland.
Dr. Carlos Aquino
Executive Director for the Center for Professional Studies and Continuing Education
Dr. Carlos Aquino's Biography
In academia, he has been strategically building and leading diverse teams to solve complex, systemic problems, besides managing, teaching, developing and supervising relevant research. He has an extensive experience to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and administrators in a student-centered environment, committed to the integration of professional practices and academics to meet society’s present and future needs.
His experience and network in the Sports arena transcend boundaries and include expertise in teaching and development. He has helped multiple institutions and organizations in the US and abroad to grow their programs, and increase their participation and recognition in global markets. Along his career, Aquino has been responsible for reviewing and updating academic, and continuing education programs, developing new domestic and international partnerships, while coordinating relationships with existing and new partners in the USA, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Africa. He is well-traveled and multilingual, being a native speaker of Portuguese and fluent in English and Spanish, with basic understanding of Italian and French.
Aquino is also a prolific scholar, with his academic production including more than 100 publications and presentations in journals and peer-reviewed conferences, and being the speaker and panelist in more than 30 events in the USA and abroad. Only in the past three years he had more than 17 conference presentations and 10 peer-reviewed articles accepted by peer-reviewed journals. He has recently published 2 books with Springer-Palgrave McMillan: Diversity and Inclusion in the Global Workplace: Aligning Initiatives with Strategic Business Goals (September 2017), and Effective and Creative Leadership in Diverse Workforces: Improving Organizational Performance and Culture in the Workplace (January 2019). He is currently writing a third one, focusing on Diversity and Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean region. He previously authored a book on Andragogy and Adult Education, published by Pearson Brazil in 2008.
Mr. David Penrose's Biography
David Penrose is the United States Sports Academy’s director of instructional design and an instructor of computer information systems. He has more than 25 years of experience in higher education and 20 years in online, distance education.
Penrose earned his Master of Arts degree in cross-cultural counseling psychology from Michigan State University. In addition to having experience as a competitive long distance runner, he has coached disabled runners both for the Special Olympics and the United States Association of Blind Athletes. He has also been a member of the International Society of Sports Psychologists.
With more than 30 years of experience working with computers and emerging technologies, Penrose teaches CIS 146 Trends in Computing.
Dr. Vandy Pacetti-Donelson's Biography
Pacetti-Donelson earned her Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and her doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University in Instructional Leadership with an emphasis in Instructional Technology and Distance Education.
Previously, Pacetti-Donelson served 20 years as a Librarian and Educator in K-12 education in central Florida before serving as Online Librarian at Ultimate Medical Academy in Tampa, Florida. She is a nationally recognized presenter and advocate for libraries.
Pacetti-Donelson was a member of the billiards team at the University of Mississippi, where she completed master’s and bachelor’s degrees. She has also served as a USA Archery Certified Instructor for the Heart of Florida Girl Scouts of America.
Dr. Marty K. Avant's Biography
Dr. Anthony Borgese's Biography
Dr. Stephen Butler's Biography
Butler served nearly 24 years in the United States Air Force as a B-52 navigator and military educator. His final Air Force assignment was as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, the world’s largest foreign language school. He has played and coached team sports at all levels since the age of six. He is also an avid runner who has competed in 30 marathons, including Boston twice. He served on the Board of Directors of the Big Sur International Marathon for 16 years.
Dr. Michael I. Culpepper's Biography
Dr. Dexter J. Davis's Biography
Dr. Erwei Dong's Biography
Dr. Stan Drawdy's Biography
Dr. Les Dutko's Biography
Dr. William Kruse's Biography
Dr. Kruse has over 23 years of experience as a litigator, trial, and sports attorney. He is a member of the bar association in the states of California and Texas. Additionally, Dr. Kruse is General Counsel and Head of Officials for one of the largest youth football and cheer organizations in the United States. He is part of the team which certifies and instructs thousands of board members, coaches, and officials throughout the year. Further, he has officiated American football at the college, high school, and youth levels.
Dr. Jordan Moon's Biography
Dr. Moon has been teaching undergraduate and graduate students for over a decade, has presented over 45 lectures at multiple scientific conferences and events both nationally and internationally, and he has published more than 135 research articles and abstracts in dozens of journals. He has also written a book chapter and published a book in the areas of sports nutrition, exercise science, body composition, body water, and changes regarding age and fitness level. Dr. Moon received his PhD in Exercise Physiology from The University of Oklahoma, his Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from Florida Atlantic University, and his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Grand Valley State University.
Dr. Tim Newman's Biography
Dr. Timothy Rice's Biography
Dr. Bret Simmermacher's Biography
Upon Coach Stanky’s retirement in 1983, he transferred to the University of West Florida, where he graduated with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health, leisure, and sports/physical education in 1986. He received his Doctor of Sport Management degree from the United States Sports Academy in 2003. Dr. Simmermacher taught and coached golf, girls’ basketball and baseball for 15 years in Crestline, Ohio. During his time in Ohio he taught and coached a variety of sports at three different schools. From 2000-2005 he was the head golf coach, head girl’s basketball coach, and the head baseball coach for Crestline High School.
From 1995-1997, Dr. Simmermacher coached baseball at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio in a part-time capacity. His 1995 team made the school’s first trip to the NCAA Division II College World Series.
Dr. Michael Spino's Biography
Dr. Bonnie Tiell's Biography
At Tiffin University, Tiell has served as Dean of Graduate Education, NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative, MBA Chairperson, Senior Woman Administrator, Assistant Athletic Director, and Head Coach for volleyball, softball (national qualifier 1993) and tennis (national qualifier 2003). She earned a Bachelor’s of Education from Troy University, a Masters in Sport Administration from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a Doctorate in Sport Management and Human Resources from the United States Sports Academy where she was recognized as the 2014 Alumnus of Year. As a former recipient of the Region 4 Excellence in Teaching Award through the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs, Tiell is also a member of the Tiffin University Athletic Hall of Fame and recipient of the 2013 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletics Conference Donahue Service Award.
Doctoral Teaching Assistants
Mr. Robert Herron's Biography
Robert L. Herron is a doctoral teaching assistant at the United States Sports Academy. Herron earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Auburn University at Montgomery and a master’s degree in exercise science from the University of Alabama. Additionally, he is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® with distinction from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS*D) and a clinical exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP). Herron has extensive experience in higher education teaching and applied research.
Ms. Jillian Rosandich's Biography
Jillian Rosandich is a doctoral teaching assistant at the United States Sports Academy. She earned her Master of Sports Science degree in sports management from the Academy and a bachelor’s degree in film and media arts from the University of New Orleans. Rosandich has significant experience in television, film and theater, working as an actor and in production in the United States and Malaysia. She earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her work with Habitat for Humanity and Americorps in New Orleans, La., where she taught disaster preparedness. She earned the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Representative Joseph Cao (R-La.) for her commitment to service.
Ms. Wanyi Tang's Biography
Mr. Jason J. Williams' Biography
Jason J. Williams is a doctoral teaching assistant at the United States Sports Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Idaho and dual master’s degrees in business administration and sports business management from the University of Central Florida. He is also certified by Precision Nutrition, Functional Movement Systems and the National Strength & Conditioning Association and is also certified as a performance specialist by EXOS. Williams is also the owner of Williams Sports and Fitness in Foley, Ala. and has been an academic advisor at Columbia Southern University and a realtor with Meyer Real Estate in Orange Beach, Ala. Williams has also worked as an account executive for the New Orleans Hornets basketball team.