Philadelphia University Welcomes New Director of Fitness and Wellness

Rhonda Davis has joined Philadelphia University as Director of Fitness and Wellness. She will manage the University's Fitness Center as well as oversee all wellness programs, and support the Department of Athletics' Recreation & Intramural Sports and Physical Education Programs.

Prior to joining the University, Mrs. Davis served as the general manager of the Health Development Division of Town Sports International at Rider University's student recreation center. In that role, she developed health programs and workshops for students, faculty, staff and alumni; in addition to marketing the facility to the entire community.

In addition, Mrs. Davis is an experienced personal trainer and fitness instructor. Rhonda earned her B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from Rowan University in 1996 and worked towards a M.A. in Sport and Recreation Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University.  While at Rowan, Davis earned a Medallion Award for Academic Excellence in 1996 and was the president of the Health and Fitness Club.

Mrs. Davis holds certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).  In addition, she is a member of the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA) and active participant in their mentorship program.

Rhonda has taught and coached extensively at both the high-school and collegiate level throughout her 15-plus years of professional experience, in both the education and private sectors.

Most recently at Rider, Mrs. Davis created and executed several fitness and wellness programs, and was responsible for developing the student staff's skills for the front desk and provided a mentorship program for fitness staff and group exercise instructors, as well as keeping all staff up-to-date CPR/AED/First Aid certification for youth and adult procedures.

Director of Athletics Tom Shirley was delighted to make the announcement about Ms. Davis joining the full-time staff of the University,"Rhonda is an engaging, energetic person who brings a great deal of enthusiasm and moreover a wide range of professional experience to the Director of Fitness and Wellness position.  As the Gallagher Athletic, Recreation and Convocation Center continues to grow into a vibrant hub of activity on the Philadelphia University campus, I am confident that she is exactly the person we need to continue our existing fitness programs and enhance future initiatives within the department, across campus and throughout the community."

A Gloucester County, N.J. native, Mrs. Davis currently lives in Morrisville, Pa. with her husband Barry--Rider's head baseball coach--whom she wed in 1994; and their daughter, Amanda, who is currently a junior at Rider.

Rhonda is very excited to be part of the Philadelphia University team, and she welcomes your ideas and input.  Ms. Davis can be reached at 215-951-2906 or via email at davisr@philau.edu