Valdosta State University’s Dr. Rodney Gaines, a new lecturer in the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology program, has earned the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) inaugural ELEVATE Award. Dr. Gaines was also elected to serve as a member of the NSCA’s Board of Directors.
The ELEVATE Award recognizes his commitment to the principles of equity, leadership, empowerment, visibility, access, training, and excellence. The award also highlights his passion for developing innovative ways to apply strength and conditioning in new communities and professional practices, emphasizing meaningful impact, increased participation, and tangible results within the field.
Gaines joined the VSU School of Health Sciences faculty on July 1. He views his new roles with the NSCA as opportunities to continue advancing strength and conditioning and sport science professions globally. A member of the NSCA for over 25 years, Gaines stated these experiences reinforce his responsibility to lead and serve students, believing they strengthen his credibility as an educator and create opportunities for mentorship and student empowerment.
Since arriving at VSU, Gaines has already begun making contributions beyond the classroom. He was recently elected to represent the College of Nursing and Health Sciences on the Faculty Senate, where he also serves as parliamentarian on the organization’s executive team. Additionally, Gaines has worked with the Department of Exercise Physiology and the Office of Student Life to help re-establish the Golden Key International Honour Society at the university. He also helped establish a new chapter of the Phi Epsilon Kappa Coed Fraternity at VSU.
As faculty adviser for both organizations, Gaines noted that the Golden Key International Honour Society recognizes high-achieving college students for academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Phi Epsilon Kappa Coed Fraternity serves as a national professional fraternity for individuals pursuing careers in fields such as physical education, health, recreation, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine, and sports management. Gaines expressed hope that students in Phi Epsilon Kappa will begin representing VSU at regional and national conferences as early as Spring 2027. Both organizations are scheduled to hold induction ceremonies in November.
Gaines was drawn to Valdosta State University by the Department of Exercise Physiology’s vision for developing a strength and conditioning curriculum. During his interview process, he explored VSU’s campus and engaged with its community, stating he was hopeful for a job offer by the end of his visit.
Bringing extensive expertise to VSU, Gaines holds three professional credentials: CSCS*D (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with distinction), RSCC*E (Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus), and ACSM EP-C (American College of Sports Medicine-Certified Exercise Physiologist). His background includes competing in more than 100 bodybuilding shows and being elected to the Amateur Athletic Union Strength Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. Gaines has taught for over two decades and previously helped establish strength and conditioning programs at Norfolk State University and Virginia State University.
