Lubbock Christian University
student athletes running on treadmills in the LCU rec center

Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

Welcome

Exercise and Sport Sciences are intellectual and physical disciplines that prepare students for a deeper understanding of physical activity, specifically, exercise and sport. The discipline derives its knowledge base from experiencing physical activity, studying the theoretical basis of physical activity, and experiencing professional practice centered in physical activity.

Why LCU?

LCU’s ESS department has a vast array of faculty experiences that will extend the classroom experience beyond the textbook. Our instructor’s work experiences include physical therapy, coaching, cardiac rehab, personal training, laboratory research, sports psychology, and business management. Each instructor has field experience within their area of teaching which helps to apply the classroom knowledge to a real-life experience. In addition to teaching, the instructors perform advising for each student, which allows students to benefit from the experiences of each instructor. Students are provided guidance as to which classes to take as well as assisted in preparing for graduate school, job applications, or other post-graduation endeavors.

Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences Programs

Mission

The mission of the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences is to:

  • Assist in instilling in students a faith in God
  • Contribute to the wellness education of all students
  • Promote values consistent with safe, lifelong participation in health-enhancing physical activity
  • Prepare individuals for professions in exercise and sport sciences related fields
athletic trainer helping to stretch lcu soccer player

Profile Photo of Toby Rogers

Dr. Rogers went to Lubbock Christian University from 1990-1995 and graduated with a B.S. in Biology. He then went to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and received a M.S. in Physical Therapy in 1998. Dr. Rogers began practicing PT in 1998 at University Medical Center (UMC) in Lubbock Texas. During his tenure at UMC his experiences involved acute care, burns and wound care, and outpatient orthopaedics, with the majority of his time spent in the Outpatient Therapy Center. In 2000, as a Physical Therapist he began work on a Ph.D. at Texas Tech University. The emphasis of his doctoral work was Orthopedic Sciences related to Biomechanics and Motor Learning, which he completed in December of 2006. After practicing in the clinic for approximately 5 years, he taught for the TTUHSC Physical Therapy Program in Odessa for one year, in which time he was voted the Student Senate Teacher of the Year. He became the Chairman of the Exercise and Sport Sciences Department at LCU in August of 2003. He currently serves as the Dean of the B. Ward Lane College of Professional Studies. He is married to Jessica Rogers and has three sons Coby, Zack, and Josh.

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Profile Photo of Chris Huggins

My name is Chris Huggins and I have been teaching at LCU since the Fall of 2015. I graduated from LCU in 2004 with a BA in Biology.  I graduated with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2011 and completed a Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy (ScD) in 2020 both from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. I currently practice outpatient orthopedic physical therapy with UMC Team Rehab and will see patients on LCU's campus as needed. I have been married to my wife, Samantha, since 2004 and we have three amazing children: Truett, Molly, and Ella.

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Profile Photo of Kim McCullough

Kim McCullough received a B. S. in Exercise and Sports Sciences from Texas Tech University in 2005. She then received her M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Texas Tech University in 2008. She is currently working on a Ph.D. at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She worked previously at UMC as a health technician performing worksite wellness testing, at Covenant LifeStyles Centre as an Exercise Specialist, and as a personal trainer at different locations. She started teaching at LCU as an adjunct and Lecturer in Residence in 2010. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Exercise and Sports Sciences Department as well as Department Chair. She is married to Jonathan McCullough and has two sons, Jaron and Kade.

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Profile Photo of Monica Williams

Monica J. Williams earned a Ph.D. in Performance Psychology from Grand Canyon University, as well as a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She also has a Master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences and holds two bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology from Texas Tech University. Between 2006-2009, Monica lived in California where she designed, implemented, and managed for-profit and federally funded non-profit K-12 supplemental learning programs. Monica returned to Texas in 2009 and worked as a Unit Coordinator of Academic Success for the Texas Tech University Lauro Cavazos and Ophelia Powell-Malone Mentoring Program (Mentor Tech), where she was responsible for the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, and graduate student mentors. While at TTU, Monica also taught a Programs for Academic Development and Retention strategies course for academically underperforming students. Monica later accepted a position to serve as the Chief Operating Officer and Grant Accountant for the Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) programs through 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grants authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (Title IV, Part B, 2015) with Communities in Schools of the South Plains. Monica joined the LCU Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences in the fall of 2015 as an adjunct. In 2017, Monica became an Assistant Professor. She now serves as an Associate Professor, External Evaluator for federally funded programs, and works as a Mental Performance Psychologist with competitive athletes. More importantly, Monica has two incredible children, Soraya and Asher Williams.

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Profile Photo of Tabatha Perkins

My name is Tabatha Perkins, and I began working at LCU in August of 2023. As an alumnus of LCU, it has always been my desire to return to this amazing campus. In 2015, my family and I moved to Lubbock from Roswell, NM to continue my work as a Surgical Assistant for a Periodontist. After 18 years in the dental field, I decided to explore different career opportunities; by the grace of God, I found myself back on the LCU campus. My greatest passion in life is to serve God by serving others, which starts with my husband Bill, my son Ridge, his wife Sara, their daughter Alice Rose, and our daughter Liv, who also attended LCU. I can't imagine working with and serving better people than the faculty, staff, and students here at Lubbock Christian University.

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Profile Photo of Brandon Rix

My name is Brandon Rix and Fall 2023 is my first semester on LCU’s campus a faculty member. After a three-year stint playing baseball at Seward County Community College in Liberal, KS, I graduated from LCU in 2017 with a BA in Exercise and Sports Sciences with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy. During my time at LCU I was also a member of the 2016 and 2017 baseball teams. In 2021 I graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and practiced outpatient orthopedic physical therapy at UMC Team Rehab Center until Fall of 2023. I am currently making the move to McCombs and Associates Physical Therapy where I will also be practicing outpatient orthopedics. I have been married to my amazing wife, Natalie since 2020 and we have one beaming little girl named Ellie.

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