OUR POOL OF COMPETENCE

Experts predicted for a long time that companies will switch from a static group of employees to a dynamic talent pool. The University recognized this trend early after it was founded in the year 2000 and worked solely with independent talent. It is not easy to build, maintain, and nurture a high-quality talent pool in the long term, but USOU succeeded in attracting top experts for its innovative programs and pool of competence.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Herbert J. Kellner

Dr. Herbert J. Kellner, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, President and CEO of United States Online University. He holds advanced degrees in psychology and communications from both German and American universities. Dr. Kellner held professorships from Clayton University, established by faculty of Harvard University, New York University, and Pepperdine University. He is an international best-selling author.

Verena Kellner

Verena Kellner, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Executive Vice President of United States Online University. Verena leads initiatives in support of the University’s marketing and social media strategies, including content creation for USOU’s YouTube Channel and website. She is also the Director of the Institute of Coaching.

Connie Penn

Dr. Connie Penn, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Director for Program Development. She is a clinical psychologist in private practice with degrees from UCLA and CSPP San Diego. Dr. Penn is involved in developing competency-based training programs and leads the team of subject matter experts, educators, media producers, and marketing professionals during the creation of new programs.

Georg Schlueter

Dr. Georg J. Schlueter, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Business Management. He holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, and an M.B.A. in Business Management. Professor Schlueter has extensive business development and business management experience obtained in internationally operating large corporations. He is the Director of Business Development for the Americas.

Mikel Walton

Dr. Mikel Walton, Associate Professor of Leadership & Human Resource Development, Dr. Walton leads initiatives in support of the University’s strategic priorities, including international expansion, cross-platform opportunities, and digital growth. He is the Director of Business Development for Asia.

Tim Hays

Tim Hays, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Software Development. USOU has been partnering with Tim Hays for more than 20 years in developing software for bestselling training programs. He is now leading the University’s Digital Platform Development Team. Tim’s experience in software development and Artificial Intelligence, as well as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, are critical for the future success of the University.

Joachim Studt

Dipl.-Psych. Joachim Studt, Associate Professor of Management. He is a Business Psychologist with over 30 years of professional experience in Human Resource Development, business coaching, and performance consulting. Professor Studt is also an Auditor for the Accrediting Alliance for Training & Development (aatd.org) and the President of WiPs, Verband zur Förderung der Wirtschaftspsychologie e.V. in Germany. He is the Director of Business Development for Europe.

Clint Bell

Clint Bell, Associate Professor of Communication, Director of the Institute of Communications. He holds a degree in Communication from the University of Colorado. Clint contributed to the University’s TV project “Travel Secrets” as Show Host and voice talent. He attended one of the nation’s leading auctioneering schools in 2005 and became a charity auctioneer. Since then, Clint has raised tens of millions of dollars for several hundred foundations and charities nationwide.

Mike Castle

Mike Castle, Associate Professor of Performance, Director of the Institute of Performance. Mike holds a degree in Biology. He contributed to the University’s TV project “Travel Secrets” as an Executive Producer and worked as a Hydrographer aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research ship Fairweather. Mike is a Merchant Mariner with a 100-ton United States Coast Guard Near-Coastal Masters license.

Karen Avalon

Karen Avalon, Associate Professor of Health & Wellness, Director of the Institute of Wellness. She studied Homeopathy and Bioenergetic Technology in the UK. Karen brings 25 years of experience in Biofeedback Research and 19 years as a successful business owner and entrepreneur to the table. Here mission is to educate people about alternative healthcare choices and Quantum Biofeedback as a powerfully intuitive tool for stress reduction and maintaining health and wellness.

Michael Seewald

Michael Seewald, Associate Professor of Photography, Director of the Institute of Photography. He studied Photojournalism at San Diego State University. Since 1986, Michael has traveled the world creating his fine arts images. He has made 61 photographic expeditions. While many photographers, including professionals, see fine arts photography as something one does for the love of it – with little thought given to selling the images – Michael makes a living from his fine arts work.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MASTER COACHES

Brian Tracy with Mikel Walton

DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS

Our team is composed of the most exceptional business coaches, educators, motivators, authors, and communicators. They are a dedicated group of professionals who share a passion for helping others achieve their dreams and transform their lives. Our Master Coaches have a wealth of practical experience that they use to help new and seasoned coaches make fundamental changes in the lives of people in need of support. Their global reach and diverse expertise have been instrumental in the creation of our Certificate Programs, which are designed to help you achieve your coaching goals.

Herbert J. Kellner with Harvey Mackay

COLLABORATING WITH THE LEADERS

But that’s not all! You can also benefit from our Master Coaches’ expertise by connecting with them directly through their websites. There you will discover a plethora of amazing programs and services that will further improve your coaching competencies, engage you in exciting knowledge exchange with other professional coaches, and help you reach new heights in your career. So, what are you waiting for? By working with our Master Coaches, you will be collaborating with the leaders in the Personal Development Movement. Take advantage of this opportunity today, and let us help you transform your coaching practice and your life!

THE MASTER COACHES

Brian Tracy

Brian Tracy is one of America’s leading authorities on the enhancement of personal effectiveness, the development of human potential, and the art of salesmanship. A dynamic and entertaining speaker, he has motivated and inspired thousands of people toward peak performance and high achievement. Brian’s seminars on leadership, goals, motivation, and success psychology draw capacity audiences.

MORE INFORMATION

Harvey Mackay

Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times #1 bestsellers “Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive” and “Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt”. Both books are among the top 15 inspirational business books of all time, according to the New York Times. In total, Harvey’s books have sold 10 million copies worldwide, been translated into 37 languages and sold in 80 countries.

MORE INFORMATION

Sarita Maybin

Sarita Maybin is an international speaker, communication expert, and author of the book “If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?” Sarita has spoken in ALL 50 states, 9 other countries…and on the TEDx stage. She is a former university dean of students with a Master’s degree in Counseling, a Toastmasters Contest winner, and a Past President of the National Speakers Association, San Diego chapter.

MORE INFORMATION

Les Brown

Les Brown is a top Motivational Speaker, Speech Coach, and Best-Selling Author, loving father and grandfather, whose passion is empowering youth and helping them have a larger vision for their lives. Les Brown’s straight-from-the-heart, high-energy, passionate message motivates and engages all audiences to step into their greatness, providing them with the motivation to take the next step toward living their dream. Les’s charisma, warmth and sense of humor have impacted many lives.

MORE INFORMATION

Jim Cathcart

Jim Cathcart serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council and as a Professor in the Executive MBA program for the School of Management at California Lutheran University. He has delivered over 3,300 speeches and seminars around the world and was inducted into the Professional Speaker Hall of Fame in 1986. He is past president of the National Speakers Association, recipient of The Cavett Award and The Golden Gavel. His clients include the world’s top corporations and associations.

MORE INFORMATION

Jan Ruhe

Jan Ruhe is one of the most experienced Network Marketers. She has shared her experience in person all over the USA, South Korea, Canada, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Holland, Hungary, Moscow, Nigeria and South Africa. Jan trains others how to be the best they can be and get to the top. She has been featured on the front covers of magazines around the world. Jan has inspired thousands of people at her seminars and is in high demand as a speaker and trainer worldwide.

MORE INFORMATION

Jack Canfield

As one of the originators of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Jack Canfield fostered the emergence of inspirational anthologies as a genre and watched it grow to a billion-dollar market. He holds the Guinness Book World Record for having seven books simultaneously on the New York Times bestseller list. A motivational speaker and success coach, Jack helps entrepreneurs, executives and educators achieve peak performance.

MORE INFORMATION

Darren Hardy

Darren Hardy joined in September of 2007 to help launch SUCCESS Media and SUCCESS magazine. Previously, Darren held executive positions at two personal-development-focused television networks. He was Executive Producer and Master Distributor for The Peoples Network, and President of TSTN, The Success Training Network (no affiliation with SUCCESS magazine). Darren embodies success: he was a self-made millionaire by 27.

MORE INFORMATION

Chris Widener

Chris Widener, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Amazon.com best-selling author, is a seasoned businessman, author and speaker. For nearly twenty years he has been involved in leadership in the business community, the non-profit world, and as a speaker and author. Chris has learned what he shares through his own experience and his interaction with and observation of the most successful people in the world.

MORE INFORMATION

ACCREDITED PARTNER INSTITUTES

INTERNATIONAL FACULTY

Joachim Studt

Associate Professor

CONNECT

Bettina Stark

Adjunct Professor

CONNECT

Klaus Offermann

Adjunct Professor

CONNECT

Dennis Weihl

Institute Leader

CONNECT

CONTRIBUTORS AND AUTHORS

PROBLEMS OF THE DIGITAL AGE

The University conducted the not-for-profit research project “Creating Your Future”, designed and spearheaded by Herbert J. Kellner, Ph.D., President/CEO of United States Online University. He and his team were concerned about the direction our culture was taking. Self-destruction, the abandonment of core values, the disintegration of families, the high percentage of our citizens in jail, and unchecked random violence. For these reasons, this research project was developed. Dr. Kellner invited well-known, highly-respected public figures from business, science, education, entertainment, and religion to provide solutions to these problems our society has to face.

AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHIES