VSU’s Dr. Rodney Gaines Makes History as First Recipient of NSCA’s ELEVATE Award

Valdosta State University’s Dr. Rodney Gaines has earned the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s inaugural ELEVATE Award. He was also elected to serve as a member of the NSCA’s Board of Directors. He joined the VSU School of Health Sciences faculty on July 1 and currently serves as a lecturer in the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology program.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s Dr. Rodney Gaines has earned the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s inaugural ELEVATE Award.

The ELEVATE Award recognizes his exceptional commitment to the principles of equity, leadership, empowerment, visibility, access, training, and excellence, as well as his passion for developing innovative ways to apply strength and conditioning in new communities and areas of professional practice. It emphasizes meaningful impact, increased participation, and tangible results.  

Gaines is also excited to have an opportunity to continue advancing strength and conditioning and sport science professions around the world as a newly elected member of the NSCA’s Board of Directors. He has been a member of the organization for more than 25 years. 

“These experiences keep me humble and reinforce my responsibility to lead and serve students,” he said. “I believe both the award and my board member position strengthen my credibility as an educator and create meaningful opportunities to mentor, inspire, and empower students to become leaders in their own communities.”

Gaines joined the VSU School of Health Sciences faculty on July 1. He currently serves as a lecturer in the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology program.

Gaines said the Department of Exercise Physiology’s vision for developing a strength and conditioning curriculum was a key factor that attracted him to the university. During the interview process, he had an opportunity to explore VSU’s natural beauty and engage with its friendly people. By the end of his visit, he said he was “hoping they made me an offer.”

Since joining the faculty a few weeks ago, Gaines has already begun making an impact, turning the enthusiasm he felt during his first moments on campus into meaningful contributions to the university. He was recently elected to represent the College of Nursing and Health Sciences on Faculty Senate, where he also serves as parliamentarian on the organization’s executive team.  

“Although new to the university, I have worked with the Department of Exercise Physiology and the Office of Student Life team to help bring Golden Key International Honour Society back to this university,” he shared. “I have also helped establish a chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa Coed Fraternity at VSU.”

Golden Key International Honour Society recognizes high-achieving college and university students at the undergraduate and gradual level and focuses on academic achievement, leadership, and community service. 

Phi Epsilon Kappa Coed Fraternity is a national professional fraternity for individuals engaged in or pursuing careers in the fields of physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine, and sports management. Gaines hopes students in this organization will start representing VSU at regional and national conferences as early as Spring 2027.

 “These are exciting organizations that will recognize and honor outstanding academic achievement and leadership among students in the Department of Exercise Physiology and across the university,” he added. “Both organizations will hold induction ceremonies in November, and I am honored to serve as the faculty adviser for each of them.”

Gaines holds three professional credentials that reflect his extensive expertise and commitment to excellence in strength and conditioning, athletic performance, and exercise science — 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.

He has competed in more than 100 bodybuilding shows. In 2022 he was elected to the Amateur Athletic Union Strength Sports Hall of Fame. He has taught for more than two decades and helped start strength and conditioning programs at Norfolk State University and Virginia State University.