Victor Romano, EdD, DHSc, CSCS, ACSM-EP, CES, FNS, USAW-1, NREMT-B

Associate Professor of Sport and Health Sciences / Exercise Science Department Chair

Location
Ketner Hall
Department
  • Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
  • Program Director of Exercise Science
  • B.S., Greensboro College
  • M.S., California University of Pennsylvania
  • Ed.D., Gardner-Webb University
  • DHSc. Drexel University 

CV

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

  • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist Certified Wellness Practitioner
  • National Strength & Conditioning Association National Wellness Institute
  • Certified Personal Trainer Health Coach
  • American College of Sports Medicine American Council on Exercise
  • Corrective Exercise Specialist Fitness Nutrition Specialist
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner Muscular Strength & Range of Motion
  • Kinesio Taping Association International SilverSneakers®
  • Certified Group Fitness Instructor Health & Physical Education
  • American Fitness Association of America ETS Praxis II Series: Test #5857
  • Educational Leadership: Administration & Supervision Curriculum Instructional Specialist License
  • ETS Praxis II Series: Test #5411 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
  • Social & Behavioral Research: Basic Curriculum CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor
  • Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative American Red Cross
  • Wilderness & Remote First Aid Instructor CPR/AED/First Aid
  • American Red Cross American Red Cross

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

  • Assistant Professor, Sport & Health Sciences 2016-present
    Program Director, Exercise Science
  • Department of Sport & Health Sciences, Catawba College
    Adjunct Professor 2015-2017
  • Metropolitan College, Johnson C. Smith University
    Adjunct Professor 2012-2016
  • Department of Health & Human Performance, Johnson C. Smith University
    Adjunct Professor 2015
  • Department of Kinesiology, Queens University of Charlotte
    Adjunct Professor 2007-2009
  • Department of Physical Education, Craven Community College


1000 LEVEL COURSES
 First Year Seminar
 Fitness & Wellness for Life
 Personal Fitness
 Prescriptive Fitness
 Physical Fitness & Wellness
 Physical Fitness & Wellness (ONLINE)
 Racquetball
 Scientific Foundations of PE, Health & Recreation
 Team Sports
 Walking for Fitness
 Weight Training I
 Weight Training II

2000 LEVEL COURSES
 Exercise Prescription
 Foundations of Exercise & Sport Sciences
 Introduction to Exercise Science
 Measurement, Evaluation & Research
 Psychomotor Development (HYBRID)

COURSES \ AWARDS

  • Fisher Writing Fellowship, Catawba College 2017
  • iDefine Me Tobacco-Free Social Media Challenge, Mecklenburg County Health Department 2015
  • Rising Star Award: Private Grants, Johnson C. Smith University 2014
  • Faith & Community Health Excellence Award, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2013

UNIVERSITY SERVICE

  • Hearing Committee, Catawba College 2017-present
  • Faculty Advisor, Volunteers Around the World 2017-present
  • Faculty Advisor, Catawba College Student Veteran Association 2017-present
  • General Education Assessment Review (GEAR) Committee, Catawba College 2016-present
  • Wellness Committee, Catawba College 2016-present
  • Search Committee Chair, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, Catawba College 2018
  • McCorkle Scholarship Interview Committee, Catawba College 2017-2018
  • Spirit of Catawba Scholarship Interview Committee, Catawba College 2017-2018
  • Search Committee, Visiting Assistant Professor of Physical Education, Catawba College 2017
  • Faculty Focus Group on Maryville University Model of Technology, Catawba College 2017
  • Search Committee, Associate Professor of Sports Management, Catawba College 2016
  • Chair, Special Judicial Affairs Panel for Sexual Assault, Johnson C. Smith University 2014-2016
  • Search Committee, Director of Student Leadership, Johnson C. Smith University 2016


3000 LEVEL COURSES
 Exercise Physiology
 Exercise Physiology Lab
 Kinesiology
 Kinesiology Lab
 Management of PE & Sport Management
 Measurement & Evaluation in Human Performance
 Sport Nutrition
 Sport Facility Management
4000 LEVEL COURSES
 Exercise Prescription
 Health Coaching
 Internship
 Practicum
 Principles of Strength & Conditioning
 Program Design in Fitness & Wellness
 Research

Lonnie T. Parker Distinguished Service Award Committee, Johnson C. Smith University 2016
Facilitator, Faculty Development Research Discussions, Johnson C. Smith University 2015
Chair, Wellness Committee, Johnson C. Smith University 2011-2015

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director, JCSU HealthPlex 2011-2016
Johnson C. Smith University, Division of Academic & Student Support Services: Charlotte, NC
Established and managed the JCUS HealthPlex, a 20,000sq/ft. applied Health Research facility for health, human
performance, and sport; Provide leadership, expertise, and training to 34 staff; Developed a scholarly research program that
focused on building bridges between academic public health and community health practices; Conduct, coordinate, and
publish and/or present applied health research that comes through the HealthPlex; Assess applied health research needs,
recommend research, develop proposals, and present them to faculty, staff, and students
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach 2009-2016
Johnson C. Smith University: Charlotte, NC
▪ Football ▪ Men’s Basketball ▪ Woman’s Basketball ▪ Softball ▪ Men’s Tennis
Medical Staff 2008-2013
National Scholastic Athletics Foundation: Boston, MA/New York, NY/Greensboro, NC
Assist in medical coverage for New Balance Indoor National Track & Field Championships and New Balance Outdoor
National Track & Field Championships by providing soft tissue injury assessment, rehabilitation, “prehab” strength and
conditioning programs, and motivational coaching
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach 2009-2011
Johnson & Wales University: Charlotte, NC
▪ Men’s & Woman’s Track & Field
Fitness Experience Director 2009-2011
Gateway Village YMCA Branch, YMCA of the USA: Charlotte, NC
Directly in charge of the Wellness, Fitness, Personal Training, and Group Exercise departments for two different locations
with supervision of 67 staff members; Developed & implemented free outreach preventative health programs for young
adults; Responsible for fitness equipment purchasing, and fitness center redesign & layout for seven locations; Increased
program participation and revenue 253% in two years
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach 2007-2010
Track Eastern Carolina: New Bern/Charlotte, NC
▪ Men’s & Woman’s Track & Field
Medical Staff 2008-2010
The Running School: Swan Lake, NY
Assist in medical coverage for a 7-night cross country running camp by providing soft tissue injury assessment,
rehabilitation, “prehab” strength and conditioning programs, motivational coaching, group instruction courses, and coaching
seminars
Strength & Conditioning Coach 2004-2006
New Bern High School New Bern, NC
 Men’s Lacrosse ▪ Men’s & Woman’s Track & Field
Health & Wellness Director 2007-2009
Twin Rivers YMCA, YMCA of the USA: New Bern, NC
Directly in charge of the Wellness, Fitness, Personal Training, and Group Exercise departments with supervision of 24 staff
members; Initiated new wellness programming for retirement communities, Parkinson’s and MS patients, and afterschool
youth fitness & nutrition classes; Worked in cooperation with Craven Regional Medical Center developed and supervised
Stage III Cardiac rehab program; Established 1st Annual Sprint Triathlon and Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk

Personal Trainer/Youth Fitness Instructor 2006-2007
Ragsdale Family YMCA, YMCA of the USA: Greensboro, NC
Conducted one-on-one and group personal training sessions; Developed and lead new youth fitness program for ages 6-12
Strength & Conditioning Coach 2004-2006
Elon University: Elon, NC
▪ Woman’s Rugby
Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 2nd Class (E-5) 2000-2004
United States Navy: Norfolk, VA
Managed assets and equipment budget of $2.3 million; Supervisor of three work centers, training 21 personnel with a 100%
equipment readiness; Selected as part of the team to establish a Five Vector Model that innovated the Aircrew Survival
Equipmentman job rating; Supervision of over 100 personnel; Established new departmental training program for 11 work
centers; organized semi-annual fitness testing for over 250 personnel

PROFESSIONAL AFFLIATIONS

  • Reviewer, Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice 2016-present
  • Member, NC-AAHPERDS 2016-present
  • Editorial Panel, Insights in Medical Science 2015-present
  • Member, Kinesio Taping® Association International 2015-present
  • Reviewer, Global Journal of Health Science 2015-present
  • Reviewer, Health Promotion Practice 2014-present
  • Advocate, American Public Health Association 2014-present
  • Advocate, ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine Initiative 2008-present
  • Manuscript Reviewer, Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Activity Applications: 2017
  • Exercise Science, Physical Education, Coaching, Athletic Training & Health. (2nd edition)
    by P.A. Bishop. (2011). Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb Hathaway Publishers.
  • Vice President, Parent Teacher Collaborative, Kannapolis Charter Academy 2016-2017
  • Member, National Wellness Institute 2015-2017
  • Proposal Review & Planning Committee, 42nd National Wellness Conference, 2016
    National Wellness Institute
  • Member, Mecklenburg County Fruits and Vegetable Coalition 2013-2016
  • Proposal Review & Planning Committee, 41st National Wellness Conference, 2015
    National Wellness Institute
  • Board of Directors - Research Chair, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council 2014-2016
  • Research Chair, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Health Equity Council 2014-2015
  • Evidence Academy on Hypertension Steering Committee, UNC Translational & 2014-2015
    Clinical Sciences Institute
  • CONNECT Sustainable Communities Program Public Health Committee, 2013-2014
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Expert Panel, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council 2011-2014
  • CEU Presenter, Charlotte Area Health Education Center 2011-2014
  • Career Panelist, Greensboro College: Kinesiology Department 2010-2013
  • Co-Creator of a 200hr Yoga Alliance Certification, Kinetik 2012
  • Charter Member, Theta Xi Fraternity, Gamma Upsilon Chapter 2006

GRANTS

  • 2018 Teaching Grant 2018
  • Project Manager, Connect for Education: $2,000
  • Developing Reacting Endeavor Challenge Grant 2017
  • Project Team Member, Reacting to the Past Consortium: $7,500
  • Fisher Incentive Grant 2016
  • Project Manager, Catawba College: $1,000
  • Enhancing Student Academic Excellence through Integrated Wellness Programming 2015-2016
  • and Multidisciplinary Applied Health Research
  • Project Manager, United States Department of Education - Tittle III SAFRA: $703,351
  • Village HeatBEAT: Building Education & Accountability Together 2013-2015
  • Project Manager, Mecklenburg County Health Department: $23,289
  • Faculty Development and Innovation Fund 2015
  • Project Manager, Duke Endowment: $3,000
  • Establishment of the JCSU HealthPlex to Promote Campus and Community Wellness 2010-2015
    and to Health, Human Performance, and Sport Research
  • Project Manager, United States Department of Education - Tittle III SAFRA: $653,641
  • ACT NOW! Creating Healthier Lifestyles for Tomorrow’s Leaders 2014-2015
  • Project Manager, Aetna Foundation: $25,000
  • Seed-to-Feed: A 16-Week Sustainability Food Program for Youth 2013-2014
  • Project Manager, Aetna Foundation: $35,000
  • Integrating Physical Activity into a YMCA Afterschool Program Using HOPSports 2007-2009
    Interactive
  • Project Manager, BeActive North Carolina: $25,000

RESEARCH

Monitoring Fatigue in Collegiate Swimmers through Self-Reported Assessments 2018-present
Primary Investigator, Unfunded
Cardiovascular Response to Lower Body Muscular Dysfunction in Division II Collegiate 2016-2018
Swimmers
Primary Investigator, Unfunded
A Quantitative Analysis of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Woman, Infant 2015-2016
and Child Government Sponsored Nutrition Programs within Mecklenburg County, NC
Co-Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University
Identifying Provider and Patient Level Barriers to Care for Sickle Cell Disease using 2015-2016
Community-Based Participatory Research
Co-Investigator, Levine Cancer Institute
Identifying Corners Stores as the Future of Healthy Food Access in African American 2016
Communities
Primary Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University

2015 Mecklenburg County State of the Plate Food Access Assessment 2015-2016
Primary Investigator, Wells Fargo Foundation / Blue Cross, Blue Shield of North Carolina: $50,000
Know Your Brain: An Educational Concussion App 2015-2016
Sub-Contractor, Department of Defense / NCAA - Mind Matters Challenge: $100,000
The Effects of Kinesio Taping on Accuracy and Fatigue in Collegiate Athletes 2014-2016
Primary Investigator, Kinesio Taping International Association: $3,000
The Relationship of Gender, Age, and Socioeconomic Status in Wellness Program 2012-2016
Adherence
Primary Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University
Improving Exercise Adherence Through the UPACE Mobile App in a University Setting 2015
Primary Investigator, UPACE: $5,000
A Faith-Based Intervention to Improve Nutritional Habits within African American and 2015
Hispanic Populations
Co-Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University
Study of Cardiorespiratory Response and Exercise Modality Treadmill vs. the 2013-2015
Krankcycle in Adults
Primary Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University
Addressing Physical Activity in Minority Faith-Based Congregations 2014
Primary Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University
Using the Health Belief Model to Reduce Obesity Amongst African American 2014
and Hispanic Populations
Primary Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University
MURDOCK: The Measurement to Understand Reclassification of Disease of 2013-2014
Cabarrus/Kannapolis Study
Collaborator, Duke Transitional Medicine Institute, Duke University
Seed-to-Feed: A Youth Sustainable Food Pilot Project 2013
Primary Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University
The Effects of Kinesio Taping on Overuse Injuries of the Lower Extremities 2013
Primary Investigator, Kinesio Taping International Association: $2,500
Creating a Culture of Wellness: A Baseline Multidimensional Analysis of Wellness at a 2011-2013
Small Private Historically Black College and University
Primary Investigator, Smith Institute for Applied Research, Johnson C. Smith University
Hip Flexor Tightness Linked to Chronic Injuries in Student Athlete Runners 2008
Primary Investigator, Unfunded

PUBLICATIONS IN REVIEW
Romano, V., Arnold, M., Lee, J. (2018). Monitoring fatigue in collegiate swimmers through the use of selfreported chronic fatigue syndrome assessments. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise
Science

PUBLICATIONS
Romano, V., Lee, J., Royal, E., Metzo, K., Ruth, W., Hartsook, T. (2017). Identifying corner stores as the future
of healthy food access in African American communities. Journal of Health Disparities Research and
Practice, 10(1), 206-220.

Romano, V., Butler, K., Scott, I., Watson, G., & Redfern, D. (2016). Using the health belief model in health
coaching to reduce obesity within African American and Hispanic populations. Insights in Medical
Science, 1(1), 1-4.
Romano, V., & Metzo, K. (2016). 2015 Charlotte & Mecklenburg County State of the Plate. Charlotte, NC:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council.
Romano, V., Butler, K., & Royal, E. (2015). A faith-based intervention to improve nutritional habits within
African American and Hispanic populations. International Conference on Education and New
Developments Proceedings, 432-435.
Romano, V., Lee, J., & Butler, K. (2015). Seed-to-feed: A youth sustainable food project. The North Carolina
Journal, 49(1), 36-42.
Romano, V. (2015). Creating a culture of wellness: A guide to a happier & healthier you (2nd ed.). Mustang,
OK: Tate Publishing.
Romano, V., & Scott, I. (2014). Health belief model to reduce obesity amongst African American and Hispanic
populations. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 159(23), 707-711.
Romano, V., & Butler, K. (2014). A baseline analysis of wellness at Johnson C. Smith University. Education &
Health, 32(4), 136-140.
Romano, V. (2013). Creating a culture of wellness: A guide to a happier & healthier you. Charlotte, NC:
CreateSpace Publishing.
Butler, K, Romano, V. (2013). Seed-to-Feed - A youth sustainable food pilot project: A university, charter
school and public library collaboration. ICERI2013 Proceedings, 4683-4689.
Romano, V. (2013). Creating a culture of wellness: A baseline multidimensional analysis of wellness at a small
private historically black college and university. (Doctoral dissertation). Gardner-Webb University,
Boiling Springs, NC. (Publication number 3602768).
Romano, V. (2010). Hip flexor tightness linked to chronic injuries in student athlete runners. National Scholastic
Athletics Foundation. Article 736. Available at: http://www.nationalscholastic.org/ trackmedic/
article/736.
WORKING PAPERS
Romano, V. (2018). Exercise science curriculum modification. Catawba College, Salisbury, NC.
Romano, V., & Lee, J. (2014). Seed-to-feed: A youth sustainability food program. (White paper). Johnson C.
Smith University, Charlotte, NC.
Royal, E., & Romano, V. (2014) Village HeartBEAT: 2013-2014 program evaluation. (White paper). Johnson
C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC.
Romano, V. (2013). Creating a culture of wellness: A JCSU quick reference guide to wellness programming and
services. (Program guide). Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC.
Romano, V., & Butler, K. (2013). The establishment of a culture of wellness on the campus of Johnson C. Smith
University. (White paper). Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC.

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Bradford, R., Frost, R., & Romano, V. (2018, June). Cardiovascular response to lower body movement
dysfunction in division II collegiate swimmers. Virtual presentation at the Ninth International Conference
on Sport and Society, Miami, FL.

Uba, K., Morgan, W., Romano, V., & Lee, J. (2017, October). Using pulse oximetry in determining VO2max in
competitive swimmers. Presentation at the 2017 NCAAHPERD-SM Convention, Winston-Salem, NC.
Lee, J., Morgan, W., Romano, V., Ruth, W., & Hartsock, T. (2016, October). Bridging the gap between SNAP
and WIC availability: A quantitative analysis in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Virtual
presentation at the 6th International Conference on Food Studies, Berkeley, CA.
Romano, V. (2016, March). Identifying corner stores as the future of healthy food access in African American
communities. Presented at the 9th Health Disparities Conference, New Orleans, LA.
Hartsook, T., Ruth, W., Romano, V., & Perkins, R. (2016, March). Spatial analysis of food access in
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Poster presentation at the 9th Health Disparities Conference, New
Orleans, LA.
Butler, K., Romano, V., Lee, J., & Scott, I. (2016, January). ACT NOW! An integrated nutrition physical activity
partnership program. Presented at the 2016 Hawaii University International Conferences on Arts,
Humanities, Social Sciences, & Education, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ashorobi, T., Romano, V., & Richardson, A. (2015, October). The importance of gender, age, and income in
health adherence. Presented at the 67th Annual North Carolina American Alliance for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport Management Convention, Winston-Salem, NC.
Jenkins, T., Wallace, D., & Romano, V., DellaBella, E. (2015, October). Project CHARGE: Cultivating healthy
residents in a garden environment. Poster presentation at the 67th Annual North Carolina American
Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport Management Convention,
Winston-Salem, NC.
Jenkins, T., Butler, K., & Romano, V. (2015, October). ACT NOW! Creating healthier lifestyles for tomorrow’s
leaders. Poster presentation at the 67th Annual North Carolina Society for Public Health Education's
Annual Meeting, Hickory, NC.
Romano, V., Butler, K., Royal, E., & Jenkins, T. (2015, June). A faith-based intervention to improve nutritional
habits within African American and Hispanic populations. Presented at the International Conference on
Education and New Developments, Porto, Portugal.
Romano, V., & Royal, E. (2015, June). Integrating wellness programming into faith-based organizations for the
underserved. Presented at 40th Annual National Wellness Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Ashorobi, T., Kelly, A., Romano, V., & Lee, J. (2015, March). Seed-to-feed: A 16-week sustainability food
program for youth. Poster presentation at the 8th Health Disparities Conference, New Orleans, LA.
Royal, E., Romano, V., Woodson, M., & Walker, M. (2014, December). Addressing physical activity in minority
faith-based congregations. Poster presentation at the Minority Health and Health Disparities Grantees’
Conference, National Harbor, MD.
Romano, V., & Scott, I. (2014, June). Using the health belief model to reduce obesity amongst African American
and Hispanic populations. Presented at the World Conference on Psychology Sciences, Las Vegas, NV.
Butler, K., & Romano, V. (2013, June). Seed-to-Feed - A youth sustainable food pilot project: A university,
charter school and public library collaboration. Presented at the 6th International Conference of
Education, Research and Innovation, Seville, Spain.
Romano, V., & Hanes-Romano, K. (2013, June). The effects of kinesio taping on overuse injuries of the lower
extremities in collegiate athletes. Presented at the Annual Kinesio Taping Association International
Research Symposium, Stanford, CA.
Romano, V., Butler, K., & Briscoe, N. (2013, April). Creating a culture of wellness: Assessing campus needs.
Poster presentation at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance
National Convention & Exposition, Charlotte, NC.
Romano, V., & Devens, M. (2013, June). Hip flexor tightness linked to chronic injuries in student athlete
runners. Presented at the Annual International Sport and Society Conference, Chicago, IL.
Romano, V. (2012, June). Lower extremity pain in student athletes. Presented at the Annual International Sport
and Society Conference, Cambridge, England.
Romano, V., & Anderson, J. (2011, June). Flexibility and stability: Key factors in preventing lower extremity
injuries. Presented at the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation New Balance Outdoor National Track
& Field Championships, Greensboro, NC.
Chapel, C., & Romano, V. (2010, March). Prehab: How to effectively train to eliminate injures in competitive
runners. Presented at the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation New Balance Indoor National Track
& Field Championships, New York, NY.
Anderson, J., Chapel, C., & Romano, V. (2010, June). Posture and How It Affects the Biomechanical Chain.
Presented at the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation New Balance Outdoor National Track & Field
Championships, Greensboro, NC.
Romano, V. (2008, June). Fitness without walls: Obtaining fitness without a facility. Presented at the YMCA
International Youth Fitness Conference, Prague, Czech Republic.