NASM and California University of Pennsylvania Select 2009 Pursuit of Excellence in Health and Fitness Award Winners

$17,500 Tuition Grants Awarded to Two Fitness Professionals to Enroll in Online Graduate Degree Program

CALABASAS, Calif. (January 14, 2009) -- The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a health and fitness education authority and leading sports performance solutions provider, and its higher education partner, California University of Pennsylvania, today announced Craig Stull and Brenda Eiseman as recipients of the 2009 Pursuit of Excellence in Health and Fitness Award – a bi-annual award presented by the two organizations.

Stull and Eiseman will be rewarded for their accomplishments and dedication within the fitness industry by receiving full tuition funding, valued at more than $17,500, towards a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion at California University of Pennsylvania. During the 2009-10 academic year, each will chose to specialize in one of the school’s four, internet-based specific tracks: fitness and wellness; performance enhancement and injury prevention; rehabilitation science; and sports psychology.


“The recipients of this year’s Pursuit of Excellence in Health and Fitness Award have proven their commitment and dedication toward the fitness and health industry within their organizations, clients they train and extensive community involvement,” said Dr. Micheal Clark, NASM President and Chief Executive Officer. “With the education these two stellar fitness professionals receive from the California University of Pennsylvania they will be equipped with all of the tools they need to not only advanced their careers, but be leaders within their industry.”

Stull is an alumnus of the University of Indianapolis, where he earned a double major in exercise science and athletic training. Currently, he is the assistant athletic trainer for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and volunteers his services to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. In the past, Stull also lent his athletic training expertise to the USA Track & Field team, RCA Tennis Championships and the NFL Combine. He received his NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM PES) Advanced Specialization.

Lt. Col. Eiseman is a 2002 graduate of Webster University and has been a professional soldier in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years. She began her fitness career while in the U.S. Army where she was responsible for the physical conditioning and preparedness of more than 300 soldiers. Eisman has received many accolades as a solider including a 2005 bronze Star Medal for meritorious service during her military service career. She also placed within the top four of several Army fitness competitions including an Iron Woman race and currently is the Team Manager for a Washington, D.C. Area Girls Soccer League.

“Stull and Eiseman are both extremely qualified health and fitness professionals that have achieved a great deal individually and been highly recommended by their peers and colleagues to receive this award,” said Dr. Barry McGlumphy, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor for Exercise Science and Health Promotion at California University of Pennsylvania. “With our convenient online graduate degree programs both individuals will be able to complete their selected educational tracks while continuing to work as well as balance their personal lives.”

The bi-annual Pursuit of Excellence in Health and Fitness Award program was developed as part of a strategic collaboration between NASM and the California University of Pennsylvania to support fitness and health professionals embodying the determination and ideals to become industry leaders. The university’s undergraduate and graduate health and fitness degrees, all powered by NASM’s industry-leading, evidence based fitness programs and research, provide busy professionals with a variety of convenient methods to advance their career in several specialized areas.

The criteria for candidates applying for the Pursuit of Excellence Award include a bachelor’s degree; an overall GPA of at least 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate courses to date; plan to enroll in a master’s degree program track at the California University of Pennsylvania, which offers the entire curriculum online; and intent to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry.

About California University of Pennsylvania:
California University of Pennsylvania (CalU), a comprehensive regional institution of higher education and a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a diverse caring and scholarly learning community dedicated to excellence in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional studies that is devoted to building character and careers, broadly defined. Founded in 1852, and now in its second 150 years of service, the University is committed above all to academic excellence and intellectual rigor in the context of personal and institutional integrity, civility and responsibility. For more information, visit: www.calu.edu.

About NASM:
Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been a leader in personal trainer certification, continuing education, solutions and tools for health, fitness, sports performance and sports medicine professionals. Today, NASM serves more than 100,000 members in 80 countries. In addition to its evidence-based NCCA-accredited fitness Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification, NASM also offers a progressive career track with access to Advanced Specializations, Continuing Education courses and access to accredited Bachelor and Master Degree programs. The NASM educational continuum is designed to help today’s health and fitness professional enhance their career while empowering their clients to live healthier lives.

For more information, call (800) 460-NASM or visit www.nasm.org.