Bio

Dr. Gretchen Elsey joins the Seton Hill University faculty with a strong foundation in both
academic preparation and hands-on experience in the field of exercise science. Prior to SHU, she
served as a Graduate Assistant at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Kent State University,
where she gained extensive experience in teaching, research support, and student development.
Her professional background focuses on strength and conditioning, group exercise instruction,
and applied exercise programming, allowing her to bring a practical, performance-driven
perspective into the classroom
Before beginning her career in higher education, Dr. Elsey was a multi-sport collegiate athlete,
competing in both basketball and track and field. This experience shaped her passion for athletic
performance, teamwork, and holistic student development—values she now integrates into her
teaching philosophy. Gretchen is committed to creating an energetic, supportive learning
environment that helps students bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Education

B.S. Exercise Science – Grove City College, 2021
M.S. Sport and Exercise Science – Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2022
Ph.D. Exercise Physiology – Kent State University, 2025

Publications

1. Buxton, J.D., Prins, P.J., Miller, M.G., Moreno, A., Welton, G.L., Atwell, A.D.,
Talampas, T.R., & Elsey, G.E. (2022). The Effects of a Novel Quadrupedal Movement
Training Program on Functional Movement, Range of Motion, Muscular Strength, and
Endurance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(8), 2186-2193. 
2. Ault, D.L., Elsey, G.E., Brest, K.W., Wilkinson, P.D., Meola, J.C., Slack, M.A., Neu, S.J.,
Morris, C.J., Prins, P.J., Buxton, J.D., Van Opstal, A., Stolaki, M., & Gerhart, H.D.
(2023). Daily Ingestion of a Multi-Stain Probiotic Improves Symptoms of Depression,
Anxiety, and Stress in College-Aged Individuals. International Journal of Health,
Nutrition, and Exercise Science, 2(1), 1-21. 
3. Smith-Ricketts, J., Elsey, G.E., Kohan, D., Lepp, A., Barkley, J.E. (2024). Fluctuations in
physical activity over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Directs in Health
Sciences, 4(1). 
4. Elsey, G.E., Smith-Ricketts, J., Kohan, D., Lepp, A., Barkley, J.E. (2025). Perceived
Changes in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Stress During the Pandemic
Predict Current Levels of These Same Variables. International Journal of Exercise
Science. 18(4). 306-315.
5. Kingsley, J.D., Pinzone, A.G., Elsey, G.E., Humm, S.M. (2025). Hemodynamic and
Autonomic Modulation in Response to Additive Sympathetic Stressors in Young, Healthy
Individuals. International Journal of Exercise Science. 18(6). 1047-1060.

Certifications

 Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS)
 Exercise is Medicine (ACSM-EIM) 
 Les Mills GRIT Certified Group Fitness Instructor
 American Red Cross Certified First Aid & AED Instructor

Organizations

 Member of the Mid Atlantic American College of Sports Medicine Chapter (MARC-
ACSM)

 Member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

 Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)