Exercise & Sport Science Faculty

Dana Rae Pautsch earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Truman State University, and her Master of Science in Sports and Exercise Science from West Texas A&M University. Prior to joining Judson's faculty, Pautsch served as an academic coordinator and instructor for Northern Illinois University. More Info

Prior to his time at Judson University, Jack served as the Co-Founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute. He is an internationally recognized authority and pioneer in the science of human performance. Jack has addressed the issue of worksite wellness and performance at such policy events as the United Nations Side Event for Physical Activity and Non-Communicable Disease, three U.S. Congressional Briefings on Worksite Wellness & Health Promotion, and represented the worksite wellness industry at the historic Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Walking and Walkable Communities. More Info 

Dr. Jeremy Butler teaches courses within the Health Promotion and Performance major. Prior to joining the faculty at Judson, he worked as a police officer, where he also served as the use of force instructor for his department. His research interests include using a social cognitive framework to evaluate how physical training, specifically in martial arts and police defensive tactics, impacts performance and behavior. He has a passion for applying his martial arts experience in various areas of his life including as a form of ministry, community development, and advocating for police training reform. More Info 

Tom is a certified teaching member of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) since 1995, achieving the level 4 Professional development award for 10 continuous years of professional commitment and achievement, certification as a USTA NTRP Verifier, 24 year member of the United States Racquet Stringers Association USRSA, and a member of the Professional Advisory Staff of Head/Penn Racquet Sports. He is the Head tennis professional for the Minocqua Country Club of Wisconsin, staff tennis professional for the Racket Club in Crystal Lake, Ill., and teaches tennis within Judson University's Department of Exercise & Sport Science.More Info

After receiving her Master's degrees from Judson University, Brittany Ladaa became the Assistant Softball Coach at McHenry County College. She also served as Adjunct Faculty at McHenry County College. Brittany was Adjunct Faculty for the Exercise and Sport Science Department at Judson University prior to becoming an Assistant Professor 2019. More Info

Joel Popenfoose is Athletic Director and Director of Cross Country and Track & Field at Judson University. Under his leadership the Eagles have set 140 school records and produced 46 All Conference performers, 17 Conference Champions and 34 NAIA national qualifiers. The Eagles have been competitive nationally with 13 NAIA All Americans, five NAIA National Champions and three top 20 finishes. The JU Women’s team placed 8th at 2019 Indoor Nationals. While in the classroom for the Exercise & Sport Science Department, Coach Pop brings his enthusiasm, sense of humor, and heart for students to every class he teaches.

Emily holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and is also a Certified Athletic Trainer. As a Illinois Bone & Joint Institute Physical Therapist, she is devoted to supporting her patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. She serves as the instructor for IBJI’s small group training class, focused on sport-specific strengthening and teaching safe sport mechanics and injury prevention strategies. Emily is the author and publisher of Sports Medicine Matters, IBJI’s monthly educational sports medicine newsletter. Emily is eager to share her clinical knowledge and foster critical thinking to help students develop a love and understanding of rehabilitative medicine and exercise science.