When Daniel Higdon reflects on the program he chose, the answer is not simple because his journey was not simple.

“It’s really a three part answer,” he says.

Daniel earned his Associate’s degree in Exercise Science when the school was still ISSA College, completed his Bachelor’s in Exercise Science through Lionel University, and then went on to earn his Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning with a concentration in Clinical, Corporate, and Community Wellness.

But his academic path did not start in a classroom.

It started in the field.

If you are exploring your own path, you can view all available options at Lionel University Programs.

A Non Linear Path That Shaped Everything

Now entering his fifteenth year in the fitness profession, Daniel’s career began long before he returned to college.

Fifteen years ago, he attended a small university close to home. After two years, he found himself unchallenged and uninspired. Instead of forcing it, he earned his first certification and began working as a personal trainer.

He stayed in the field for six to eight years.

“I just jumped in, and I loved it.”

But something kept pulling at him. Education.

Daniel has always seen himself as an educator first, whether in a gym, a classroom, or wherever his career leads.

That desire eventually brought him back to school.

Rediscovering the Student Mindset

Before returning for his degree, Daniel completed massage therapy school. The program was intensive and filled with deep dives into anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology.

“I forgot how much I missed being a student.”

With the material fresh in his mind and his motivation high, he realized there would never be a better time to finish what he started years earlier.

He transferred credits into the Associate’s Degree in Exercise Science program

From there, he continued into the Bachelor’s Degree program

And without losing momentum, he completed his Master’s Degree.

“Once you are in the rhythm of writing papers and doing discussion boards, there is never an easier time to go all in.”

So he did.

Why Lionel University

Daniel researched extensively before enrolling. He had taken professional courses before and was impressed by their rigor and depth. When he discovered he could transfer a significant portion of credits toward a degree, the decision became clearer.

But what truly stood out was the quality of the education and the faculty.

He found that Lionel offers not only degree pathways but also industry leading certifications such as the Lionel Certified Personal Trainer.

And the Master Trainer program.

For Daniel, the transition to online learning exceeded expectations.

“It surpassed what I thought it would be.”

Professors Who Mentor Not Just Grade

One of the most impactful aspects of Daniel’s experience was the mentorship he received.

“These are not random instructors teaching out of a textbook. They have lived this profession.”

Many faculty members have owned businesses, worked in rehabilitation settings, developed curriculum, and led in the fitness industry. Their feedback goes beyond grading.

One professor would record personalized video responses to discussion posts, breaking down specific sentences and offering detailed insights.

“I received more individualized feedback than I ever did in traditional in person classes.”

Daniel emphasizes that education is what you put into it. But at Lionel, the professors reciprocate.

“The more you invest, the more they invest in you.”

You can learn more about the university’s mission and leadership here.

A Unique Community and Powerful Networking

A significant portion of Daniel’s classmates were active military members. That brought a unique tactical strength and conditioning perspective to discussions and coursework.

“It put a really cool spin on everything.”

Those relationships later helped him secure his current role.

Today, Daniel works at Fort Stewart as a strength and conditioning coach, improving soldier readiness, supporting rehabilitation, and working with pregnant and postpartum service members.

He learned about the opportunity through another Lionel graduate.

“The networking alone helped line up my career after graduation.”

From Master’s Thesis to Military Aviation

For his Master’s thesis, Daniel focused on improving physical education programs in schools. After his presentation, instead of simply congratulating him, a professor spent extended time explaining how he could turn the idea into a real world curriculum.

“It was mentorship. It was practical. It was actionable.”

That kind of guidance planted seeds for his long term goal of teaching at the university level.

“Someday I would love to teach. Honestly, I would love to teach at Lionel.”

But his next chapter is even more ambitious.

Inspired by conversations with military classmates, Daniel is now pursuing the Navy Aerospace and Operational Physiology Officer path. He has completed initial processing and hopes to attend Officer Development School before advancing to flight training, with the goal of becoming a Naval Aerospace Physiologist.

“None of that would have happened if I had not gone back to school.”

Why He Recommends Lionel University

Daniel’s advice to prospective students is simple.

Do your research. Look at who is teaching you. Look at the experience behind the curriculum.

Lionel integrates professional application into coursework in a way many institutions do not. It prepares students for entrepreneurship, leadership, and real world impact.

If you are considering taking the next step, you can connect with the admissions team.

And explore the financial aid process.

Educator First Always

No matter where his career takes him, personal trainer, military officer, or future professor, Daniel sees himself as one thing first.

An educator.

His story proves that your path does not have to be linear to be powerful. What matters is alignment with your goals, your growth, and your willingness to go all in.

If you are ready to begin your own journey, explore Lionel University’s programs and see where your next chapter can begin.