joined UNLV in 2018 as the (PEX) coordinator for the School of Integrated Health Sciences via the . Leroy is also a proud alumnus after having received his BS in athletic training in 1987. Since then, he has helped countless students reach their fitness and health goals. When asked, Leroy, is quick to say that the PEX program is far from being another exercise class — it changes lives.
Tell us about the Physical Education program.
People think that the PEX program is just about exercising. You have to get out of that mentality because if that is all you focus on, you will forget about the bigger picture. The bigger picture is that with exercise comes the reduction of your blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and a whole list of other positive health results.
We have had students go through our classes and say they no longer need high blood pressure medication. We have a lot of non-traditional students, so it isn't uncommon for students to be on blood pressure medication. We have had students whose parents have diabetes, and the student diagnosed as pre-diabetic, yet reported during their last doctor’s visit that they were told their blood sugar is finally down and medication no longer needed.
Those moments can change lives for students, but you have to get out of the mentality that it is solely about exercise. We can change lives, and we’ve done it many times before.
How does a guy from Virginia end up in Las Vegas?
My dad and I were looking around at colleges, and I knew I wanted to study athletic training. My dad had visited Vegas for some conventions and asked if UNLV had a program. So I looked it up, and, yes, UNLV had one. My initial response wasn't good, because I didn't want to be so far away from home. But, my dad didn't give me a choice. We flew out to Vegas in January, just after visiting Morgantown, West Virginia.
Back east, we were in snow up to our knees. When we arrived in Vegas to find green grass everywhere, people watering their yards, and walking around in shorts, I thought maybe getting away from home wouldn't be so bad. I was sold.
For four years, I enjoyed myself. I learned a lot, but after four Thanksgivings of eating cafeteria food, I’d had enough. When it came time to get my master's degree, I decided to attend the University of Virginia to be closer to home. I started my professional career at Texas Lutheran College, located right outside of San Antonio in Seguin, Texas, where I met my wife. In 1993, we moved to Kansas State; from there, I went to Benedictine College and moved back to Vegas in 2016.
What inspired you to get into your field?
I was influenced by physical education and the importance of exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In high school, I was an athlete, who was involved in different sports. So, physical education just made sense. You also have to recognize that when I completed my degree, it was in athletic training, but it was under the department of health physical education and recreation (HPER).
At that time, you would have both your future athletic trainers and your future P.E. teachers. When I returned to Las Vegas in 2016, I saw the PEX coordinator position. I thought, “Wow, I've been doing this my entire life,” so I applied.
What was your greatest day on campus?
One of my greatest memories is the day the School of Integrated Health Sciences Alumni Chapter was approved. I think most people are connected to and like to keep in touch with their program of study. I have friends who graduated from the athletic program in different years, and we talk daily. So, establishing the chapter and being elected the first president was a huge accomplishment.
I see it as having come full circle. I came here as a student, and UNLV helped me start my professional career. Now, I can end my professional career here, retiring from the place where it all started.
What's your biggest mishap in the field?
As an athletic trainer, I worked at Benedictine College but I volunteered at the local high school where my kids attended. I was at a football game on the sideline. A play was called where the running back dove through a hole but got tripped up. His feet went up in the air, and he came straight down on his head. I'm thinking to myself, “This is a problem,” and headed out, but the kid jumped up like it was no big deal.
When I got back to the sideline and realized that was my son. I had to do a double-take to make sure my kid was OK. Then I looked over to my wife, who shot me a look, and I realized I had to take off my athletic training hat and put on my dad's hat. It turns out he was OK in the end.
Outside of your work, what are you passionate about?
Outside of my work, I'm passionate about my family. I have three kids and four grandkids.
Since I'm a road trip guy, I'd love to go to the state fairs for each state where my kids live. I've got one in Idaho, my oldest is in Kansas, and my youngest is in Iowa. So, if I could visit all three on the same road trip, that would be a winner.
What's your favorite Christmas show?
. It's an animated cartoon show by Disney. The show is about two elves that prep houses for Santa Claus. One of the elves is called Lanny, and the other elf is called Wayne. Wayne is my middle name. So, the whole family knows this is dad's show, and when Christmas comes around, they know we're watching dad's show.
What's worse: the winter ordeal or the Las Vegas summer heat?
I have to admit that I prefer the cold weather. My wife would disagree; she loves the heat. When we lived in Kansas, my wife had a saying that there were only two seasons, winter and getting ready for winter. When we moved to Las Vegas, I said we still have two seasons, summer and getting ready for summer.
If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
There are a few areas where I would give money. Dr. Golding was one of my instructors and a mentor, as well as Dr. Keith Kleven. I also have a personal connection to Sam Lieberman. He was a great friend, so I would certainly give to that fund. I give now, but I would love to give more if I won the lottery. It is a great feeling to be connected to something greater than yourself.
