Alumnus Dr. Jeffrey Stout was first to graduate from Concordia Nebraska with an exercise science degree

When you ask him about his Concordia Nebraska experience, alumnus Dr. Jeffrey R. Stout ‘89 uses the word ‘first’ a lot. He was the first in his family to attend college, and he was the first to obtain an exercise science degree from the university. He said the fact that he discovered Concordia Nebraska was definitely part of God’s plan for his life. 

“I was uncertain about my plans after high school. Interestingly, it was Concordia that reached out to me, and I can't help but believe it was a result of divine intervention,” he said. “During a recruiting trip to Concordia High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, football coach Larry Oetting met with me and my friend, Andrew Knudten. Deep down, I had a strong feeling that Concordia Nebraska was where I truly belonged. Throughout my freshman year, from 1985 to 1986, I was fortunate to room with my high school friend, Andrew, who taught me valuable lessons. While I switched to track and field due to injury, I would say the greatest credit goes to Coach Oetting and Andrew Knudten for introducing me to Concordia University, and to God for guiding me in making the decision to attend.” 

In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Concordia Nebraska, Stout also has a master’s degree and Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. 

He said many things make Concordia Nebraska a special place, but he said the professors truly set the university apart. 

“There were so many wonderful experiences to choose from, but my favorite aspect was definitely the professors,” he said. “One professor in particular, Dr. John Suhr, not only taught me, but also served as my advisor. Additionally, I loved the inclusive community at Concordia. The professors, administrators, coaches, and classmates all contributed to a sense of belonging, making it feel like a family environment. They were incredibly patient and supportive.”

When he first enrolled at Concordia, Stout was pursuing a pre-physical therapy track. However, during his sophomore year, he made the decision to switch to secondary education.  

“Despite this change, Dr. Suhr recognized my passion for sports, improving performance, and the science behind it,” he said. “I would often try to offer advice to my peers on nutrition and how it could enhance their athletic abilities, although I must admit I didn't have all the answers! It was during my junior year that Dr. Suhr presented me with a new curriculum for a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science. Instantly, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to pursue - it sparked the same feeling I had when I initially chose to attend Concordia.  

In order to graduate within four years, he had to take a heavy course load, often taking 18-20 credit hours per semester, and even enrolling in summer courses at Indiana University.  

“Looking back, I realize that my entire career is built upon that pivotal decision to switch to exercise science as my major,” he said. “My experience at Concordia University was really important in shaping my professional journey. With the help of Dr. Suhr, I successfully switched from pre-physical therapy to exercise science. I made this decision because I'm really passionate about sports and performance science, and it taught me how to be adaptable and make good decisions, which are really important in my current job.”  

Following his studies, he secured a tenure-track position at Creighton University from 1995 to 1999. During his time there, he focused on performance nutrition and conducted research on the positive effects of creatine supplementation on body composition and performance in collegiate football players, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He was also the first to demonstrate the benefits of creatine supplementation in women's crew teams in delaying neuromuscular fatigue. Together with colleague, Dr. Jose Antonio, he co-edited and co-authored the first academic text on sports supplements titled "Sports Supplements." 

In the summer of 1999, he received an offer to work as the director of sports science for Royal Numico, a Dutch company that had recently acquired prominent sports brands GNC, Met-Rx, and Pure Protein.  

“However, after the events of 9-11, the dietary supplement industry suffered a significant downturn, prompting me to return to academia,” he explained. “I subsequently joined Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where I continued my research into nutritional supplementation. At FAU, I became the first in the United States to examine the effects of supplementing with Beta-Alanine. In 2007, I took a job at the University of Oklahoma, where I began mentoring Ph.D. students for the first time. During my time at the University of Oklahoma, I conducted a study on a metabolite of Leucine called HMB in men and women aged 65 years and older. Abbott Nutrition later launched Ensure Muscle Health with that metabolite, now called Ensure Enlive Nutrition Shake.” 

After much success with the Ph.D. program at the University of Oklahoma, he was recruited by the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2012 to build a new Ph.D. program. 

“Since joining UCF, our Ph.D. program has been ranked among the top in the United States, number one in the state of Florida, and number one in our conference, the Big 12,” he said. “In 2019, I was asked by the president of UCF to serve on a committee to restructure the university, specifically two colleges.”

This led to the creation of the College of Health Professions and Sciences, within which Stout helped to establish the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, of which he is the founding director. While the search for a founding dean for the college was underway, he was asked by the provost to serve as interim dean for a year. 

As the director of the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, his responsibilities include overseeing various programs and institutes. The school offers a range of academic options such as a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in kinesiology, a master's in athletic training (MAT), and a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT).  

“We also have the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, which serves as a hub for our research faculty and Ph.D. students from all programs within the school,” he said. “Furthermore, I co-direct the Physiology of Work & Exercise Response (POWER) Lab alongside Dr. David Fukuda, who was once my Ph.D. student. In order to lead effectively, I strongly believe in leading by example. Therefore, I prioritize my own involvement in mentoring Ph.D. students, publishing research, securing funding, and teaching. I believe that it is unfair to expect a high level of commitment from my faculty if I am not demonstrating it myself.” 

Over the course of his 30-year career, he said the most fulfilling aspect of his job has been working with students.  

“I consider myself fortunate to have been a primary mentor or a member of the Ph.D. committee for nearly 40 Ph.D. students, many of whom have gone on to become professors across the USA and the world,” he said. “Each student is unique, and I find great reward in collaborating with these young men and women throughout the years. Our bond is so strong that we remain in touch, almost like a family. It's amusing to reflect on how I initially thought I was helping them, only to realize how much I have gained from my students.” 

Stout said that without a doubt, his time at Concordia Nebraska laid the groundwork for his career.  

“The academic environment at Concordia was really challenging, but it taught me how to handle a heavy workload and always strive for high performance. This experience has really helped me handle intense workloads and succeed in my professional life today,” he said. “Also, the knowledge and passion for exercise science that I gained at Concordia are the foundation of my current role. In summary, the mentorship, adaptability, academic discipline, and passion for my field of study that I experienced at Concordia University continue to influence my professional endeavors.” 

In addition to helping him discover his vocation, Stout said his time on campus also helped him to develop his faith. 

“Being a member of a community that shares the same faith not only aids in my personal faith development, but also serves as a positive example,” he said. “Each day on campus, I was reminded of the remarkable grace of Christ and the significance of placing our trust in His unwavering support, through both good and bad times. It is genuinely inspiring and humbling to be surrounded by fellow students and professors who exude faith. Whether it is through athletic activities or academic pursuits, the presence of God's magnificence can be felt in every facet of Concordia.” 

While at Creighton University in 1996, Stout met his wife, Dr. Martha Garcia, Pharm.D., J.D., who was a pharmacy student at the time. They have two children, Nicole and Jeff.  

“Both of them chose Judo as their sport and achieved great success, becoming multi-time national champions and representing the USA in the Pan American and World Judo Championships,” he said. “My daughter graduated from Harvard, and my son recently completed his master's degree in construction management at the University of Oklahoma and is now employed full-time. Both of them are also engaged to be married, so perhaps we will have some grandkids in the near future! I must say, my wife Martha is truly incredible. After dedicating 20 years to working as a hospital pharmacist, she is now a professor at UCF, where she teaches introduction to pharmacology. 

When he’s not working, Stout enjoys bowling, jogging, biking, swimming, occasional weightlifting and walking his Akita, named Sumo. 
“I truly believe that God has guided my life. Although there have been times when I had doubts about why certain things happen, I eventually recognize the brilliance of His plan for me,” he said. “When applying for jobs and being asked about my leadership philosophy, I always respond by saying that I am a servant leader. This leadership style, of course, is inspired by the greatest servant leader of all time, Jesus Christ. I serve both my faculty and my students by dismantling obstacles that might hinder them from reaching their full potential. Furthermore, I strive to lead by example, treating people with respect and kindness. In my opinion, there is no better teacher of servant leadership than our Lord, Jesus Christ.”  

Are you interested in learning more about exercise science studies at Concordia Nebraska? Discover more here.