Dr. Ken Leistner Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Ken was born and raised in Brooklyn and Long Beach, New York. After graduating high school, he played football for the Westchester Bulls, the New York Giants farm team, and the University of Cincinnati. He earned a bachelor's degree and a Master of Science in Education from Hofstra University and obtained his Doctor of Chiropractic from Logan University.

He began his career as a special education teacher and football coach at Malverne High School, where in 1990 he led the team to an undefeated record, the Nassau County Conference IV championship, and the Rutgers Cup. He opened a chiropractic office in Manhattan where his clients included Regis Philbin and Frank Zappa, and he also worked for Nautilus founder Arthur Jones.

Dr. Ken wrote hundreds of articles for powerlifting and strength training publications, connecting with thousands of readers, some of whom became lifelong friends and colleagues. He founded Iron Island Gym in Oceanside, New York, in 1992, then sold it six years later to work privately out of his home. He continued to write and to collaborate on historical helmet and strength training research, and served on the advisory board for the Lakeview Youth Federation.

He is remembered by the clients and athletes he trained for his uncompromising work ethic and his commitment to bettering himself and others. In 2020, he was posthumously inducted into the New York State Strength and Power Hall of Fame for his success as a powerlifter, his character and moral values, and his efforts to grow strength and power sports.

The scholarship supports students in Logan's Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning — the same blend of clinical knowledge and athletic performance that defined Dr. Ken's career.

For questions or more information concerning this scholarship, please contact us.

See Scholarship Giving for other named and endowed funds at Logan.