Dr. Viatcheslav M. Popovsky began his distinguished academic career at Lesgaft University as a baccalaureate candidate.  His research into unique and innovative methods for scientifically coaching and developing young volleyball athletes qualified him to become one of only ten students selected annually to pursue a doctoral degree.

In 1981, Viatcheslav Popovsky received his Doctor of Philosophy (Kandidat Nauk) of Pedagogical Science from the Lesgaft University in former Leningrad, Soviet Union. Over his 16 years there, he served as Coach, Teacher, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer. During that time, Dr. Popovsky also received his Diploma of Associate Professor from the Ministry for Advanced and Secondary Specialized Education in Moscow, USSR. While an Associate Professor at Lesgaft, Dr. Popovsky created innovative pedagogical programs implemented within the University, locally and nationwide—focusing student/athletes and coaches on achieving their best. He also advised and mentored many doctoral candidates in the successful achievement of their doctoral theses.

As the scientific techniques he pioneered and refined contributed to the development of Olympic athletes, he advanced steadily through the ranks of Lesgaft professionals, rising to the top of the organization. Named Department Chair Pedagogical Practice for the Lesgaft University in 1985,  Dr. Popovsky developed a pedagogical practice department that worked cross-functionally throughout the institute, training and instilling certain teaching principles into faculty and students alike.

During Dr. Popovsky’s tenure, the Lesgaft University was regarded as the premier academy of its type across all of the former Soviet Union—renown for developing Olympic and National-caliber athletes and coaches. Early in his career as a pedagogical research advisor, Dr. Popovsky worked with various national teams, one of which (the national women's volleyball team) won the Gold Medal for the USSR in the 1980 Olympics.

At the height of his career, Dr. Popovsky was responsible for disseminating the Lesgaft programs (both volleyball and pedagogical practices) throughout the former Soviet Union— from the public school system, into colleges and universities, and even businesses and health clubs. In addition, some of his programs were extended into other Eastern Bloc countries, such as Bulgaria.

An expert in Sport and Physical Education with scientific, teaching, coaching and entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Popovsky has taught physical culture educators, doctoral candidates and undergraduate students—as well as coached athletes from beginners to collegiate and Olympic levels.

Dr. Popovsky has published 60 books and articles in several countries—a prolific author in the field of physical culture. In addition, he has achieved various awards and recognition throughout his academic career.

All of Dr. Popovsky's academic work has been informed by his physical expertise. Notably—prior to pursuing an educational focus—he played volleyball for the Lesgaft collegiate team, where he received the prestigious classification "Candidate Master of Sport". Dr. Popovsky also received training in lethal force from Mr. Hill in 2003, where he was first exposed to the goal-oriented conceptual models and systems-thinking presented by TORIS.

Currently Associate Director of Instructional Design for TORIS, Dr. Popovsky is also an Affiliate Professor at the University of Idaho, where he is responsible for the development of international exchange (Russian/American) for increasing the professional knowledge of educators in the fields of sport, physical education and recreation.