Faculty Directory
School of Health, Science & Technology
Zachary F. Droll
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Dr. Zachary F. Droll serves as assistant professor of kinesiology in Cornerstone University’s School of Health, Science & Technology. A leader in applied human performance and strength and conditioning education, Dr. Droll brings more than a decade of coaching, research, university teaching and mentorship to Cornerstone. His work with athletes from high school to elite levels, combined with his curriculum leadership, gives students current, applied preparation for careers in human performance while developing their God-given abilities to serve and lead others.
Before joining Cornerstone, Dr. Droll served as assistant professor and director of strength and conditioning in Lipscomb University’s College of Health Sciences, where he helped advance strength and conditioning education through curriculum development, student research and national professional standards. He mentored student researchers, supervised graduate theses and was recognized as a Professor of Impact and College of Health Sciences Faculty Fellow for Teaching Innovation.
Dr. Droll’s research focuses on athletic performance, exercise intensity, wearable technology and performance assessment. His work has been presented at national and regional meetings of the American College of Sports Medicine, and his research on WHOOP wearable metrics and Division I collegiate volleyball performance was published in 2026. As head strength and conditioning coach for Work Over Time Fitness, he has worked directly with athletes across professional and high-level amateur golf, competitive bodybuilding and powerlifting, national-level lacrosse, collegiate athletics and a range of youth, endurance and special populations.
At Cornerstone, Dr. Droll connects the science of human performance with the beauty and purpose of God’s creation. Through teaching and mentorship, he challenges students to pursue excellence and prepares them academically and spiritually for careers in strength and conditioning, exercise science and health care, multiplying their impact for the kingdom of God.
Teaching and Course Development
Dr. Droll’s teaching experience includes strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, sport and exercise nutrition, exercise testing and prescription, health care and research ethics, applied AI in health care, and faith and philosophy.
He has developed new courses in strength and conditioning program design, advanced strength and conditioning methods and advanced exercise physiology, as well as online course work in exercise and sport nutrition, health care ethics and strength and conditioning.
Professional Experience
Dr. Droll has more than a decade of applied strength and conditioning coaching experience across competitive levels, sports and special populations. His work has included:
- Professional and high-level amateur golf.
- Competitive bodybuilding and powerlifting.
- National-level lacrosse.
- Collegiate baseball, basketball and volleyball.
- High school and youth athletics.
- Endurance athletes.
- CrossFit athletes.
- Military and first responders.
- Post-rehabilitation populations.
- General fitness and performance.
Education
- Ph.D., Leadership: Health and Human Performance, Concordia University Chicago
- M.S., Exercise Science: Strength and Conditioning, Concordia University Chicago
- B.S., Exercise Science, Huntington University
Certifications
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), National Strength and Conditioning Association
- Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN), International Society of Sports Nutrition
- Golf Fitness Specialist (GFS), National Academy of Sports Medicine
Research and Scholarly Work
- Philips, A., & Droll, Z. F. (2026). Evaluating WHOOP Wearable Metrics as Predictors of Division I Collegiate Volleyball Performance. Sustainability and Sports Science Journal.
- Droll, Z. F. (2024). Training to Increase Clubhead Speed: How Accumulated Fatigue Affects Putting Skill. ProQuest Dissertation.
- Dr. Droll has presented research at national and regional American College of Sports Medicine conferences on golf performance, exercise intensity and post-exercise oxygen consumption, wearable technology and collegiate volleyball performance, putting accuracy, and student understanding of HPV at a faith-based university.
Service and Leadership
- CASCE Accreditation Co-Lead, Lipscomb University
- NSCA Education Recognition Program Director, Lipscomb University
- Director of Strength and Conditioning (ERP), Lipscomb University
- AI Super-User Resource Committee
- Academic Integrity Council
- Student Scholars Symposium Judge
- EXHP Powerlifting Competition — Creator and Host
- Graduate Thesis Chair and Committee Member
- Reviewer, Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Leisure, and Sport Studies
- External Reviewer, Exercise Science Program, Lewis University
Professional Development
- American College of Sports Medicine Regional Conference
- National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference
- American College of Sports Medicine National Conference