Jewel Lehman

Why I am at Goshen College
I finished my doctoral degree and was teaching in North Carolina when I visited Goshen College to explore an open position. I realized the professors here are very student-centered and dedicated to the mission and core values as well as teaching and learning. I wanted to work with people who strive for excellence, so I accepted the offer. I continue to find joy and fulfillment in teaching students here at Goshen. I love the energy and excitement students bring to the subject matter in our “classrooms”. Observing and participating in their knowledge growth, skill development and maturity in attitude is rewarding! Learning is hard work and often requires struggle, however, I appreciate the willingness of GC students to get into that work and stay with it. I also love seeing students I have in class (now or previously), participate in other activities including athletics, concerts, plays, intramurals, student leadership, work study and other activities.

What drew me to my field
I was an athlete and became very interested in examining how the body responds to exercise and adapts as a result of a regular workout program. Initially I taught high school physical education and health, but I had a desire to learn more. Kinesiology and especially the field of exercise science is a vibrant and growing. Through research and application, we have the possibility of greatly impacting the quality and length of human life.

Kinesiology is inherently interdisciplinary in that we study every aspect of human movement: the biology, psychology, sociology, history, mechanics, philosophy, spirituality, art, rhythm, business and other aspects related to the experience of physical activity, exercise and sport. Movement is also naturally an integrated endeavor as it engages and is necessary for the mind, body and soul. I feel deeply privileged to be able to work in a field that has had and continues to have such a great personal impact in my life and the lives of the students at GC.

Specialties

Personal Training
As an ACSM certified personal trainer and exercise physiologist, I enjoy personal training with limited hours per week. I teach Goshen College students to work with general populations, however I have specific training expertise working with people between the ages of 60-95, and those with chronic illness and disabilities. It has been amazing and inspiring! Continuing my certification and practice enriches my life and allows me to remain up to date in this profession. In addition, I connect exercise science students at Goshen College with my practice and clients in the Greencroft Rinker Family Wellness Center.

Health and Wellness Coaching
I am also a National Board certified Health and Wellness Coach. “

Education
B.S., Eastern Mennonite University, 1987
M.S., James Madison University, 1994
D ED, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 2003

National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach
ACSM Exercise Physiologist
ACSM Personal Trainer
American College of Sport Medicine Membership
IDEA Fit Exercise and Functional Training for Older Adults certificate (Functional Aging Institute)
IDEA Fitness Membership
Indiana Teaching License, Physical Education and Health K-12
FA and CPR certified by the American Red Cross

Hawaii International Conference on Education presentation: ”Age-related Effects on Maximal Effort Oxygen Consumption, Maximal Heart Rate and Training Volume in a Highly Trained Middle-Aged Female Long-Distance Runner, A Case Report.” Jan. 6, 2024.

Recent awards
2025 Inclusive Community Builder Award
2024 Mininger grant for attending HICE conference.
2021 Mininger grant for Mayo Clinic Health and Wellness certification.