Elise Matthews brings more than two decades of applied exercise science and strength and conditioning experience to Norfolk State University, built on a career spent working at the intersection of performance training, injury prevention, and post-rehabilitation.
Matthews founded and has operated KORE Wellness Inc., a functional training and post-rehabilitation facility in Columbia, S.C., since 2009. There, she conducts intake assessments, postural and movement screenings, and performance testing, while developing individualized corrective and functional exercise programs and collaborating with referring medical professionals on client care. She has also served as a volunteer strength coach for South Carolina State University softball (2020-24), developing seasonal strength programs and supporting recovery and return-to-play protocols.
Since 2019, Matthews has served as an adjunct professor in the School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, teaching Physical Activity and Health and Conditioning Methods in Athletic Performance while mentoring students pursuing exercise science and allied health careers. She previously taught at Mississippi University for Women (2017-18) and worked as a strength trainer at Athlete's Arena in Irmo, S.C. (2007-12), designing individualized and group athletic performance programs.
Matthews holds a Master of Science in Applied Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, both from the University of South Carolina, where she graduated cum laude and earned SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition. As a graduate research assistant, she contributed to Gatorade Sports Science Institute studies on fatigue, heat, and caffeine effects on performance, and later led a pilot fitness research initiative for the South Carolina National Guard's Stay Fit to Fight program.
She holds certifications including the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Russian Kettlebell Levels 1 & 2, StrongFirst Levels 1 & 2, Functional Movement Specialist (FMS), and Precision Nutrition Certified, among others.
