December new faculty spotlight
Bryan Terlizzi grew up in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina. He earned a Ph.D. in physical education from the University of South Carolina. Before joining The Citadel, he was an assistant professor of Kinesiology at Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Terlizzi is currently researching how motor skill competence predicts and influences physical health and performance. “My field of specialty lies at the intersection of exercise science, motor behavior and sports performance,” said Terlizzi. “I focus on motor skill development, strength and conditioning, and their roles in athletic and tactical performance.”
His interest in teaching was fueled by his earlier career as a strength and conditioning coach. As a coach, he designed programs to enhance performance and readiness, building skills, confidence and resilience. “Teaching allows me to do the same in an academic setting, fostering students’ growth by equipping them with knowledge and practical tools they can apply in real-world contexts,” said Terlizzi. “I enjoy mentoring students much like I did athletes, supporting their development and celebrating their achievements along the way.”
A 2017 graduate of The Citadel Graduate College and former Citadel instructor, Terlizzi was drawn to the college for the value on discipline, physical readiness and leadership development. “My goals include advancing the strength and conditioning academic programs and fostering integrative research that impacts cadet performance and well-being,” he said.
In his free time Terlizzi, a lifelong South Carolinian, follows college athletics and enjoys spending time in nature, especially the beach.
Assistant Professor Roger Bailey is new to the Department of History. Bailey, a native of Northern Virigina, earned his Ph.D. at the University of Maryland. He served as a Class of 1957 Postdoctoral Fellow in American Naval Heritage at the U.S. Naval Academy and was a Copie Hill Civil War Fellow at the American Battlefield Trust.
Bailey specializes in naval and military history, maritime history, and 19th century American history. His is currently researching how U.S. naval officers’ personal beliefs about slavery and disunion shaped public discourse and foreign policy before the Civil War. “I enjoy helping students learn to think critically about the world, explore hypotheses, and articulate their observations persuasively,” said Bailey. “I particularly love helping them find subjects that are personally meaningful to them and learn how those interests fit into the larger story of historical events.”
Bailey was drawn to The Citadel’s military educational model. “I was excited by the chance to hold a position that was partially dedicated to naval history, a rare thing these days, and the chance to teach at the graduate level in The Citadel’s master’s program in military history,” said Bailey. “My colleagues were very welcoming, as well, and I’ve already learned a tremendous amount from them.”
Outside the classroom, Bailey enjoys backpacking, competitive fencing and nautical puns.
