He joined the faculty at Kent State University in 2017. He previously earned National Board Certification while teaching physical education and health for 10 years in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Ellison obtained his BS in business education and physical education from Western Michigan University, MA in physical education from Wingate University, and PhD in Pedagogical Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His scholarship explores the mechanisms that facilitate teacher resiliency in high-poverty schools. Additionally, Dr. Ellison examines the perceptions of lawmakers related to childhood obesity, physical education, and the associated legislation.