A Lifelong Passion for Movement and Kinesiology
For Dr. Cummings, movement has never been just a hobby, but a way of life. “I have been involved in sports of some kind since I was a baby. My parents enrolled me in swimming before I was even walking.”
As she grew older, that passion evolved into competitive martial arts, where she earned sponsorships, taught students, and even organized her own tournament. Her love for athletics eventually led her to major in physical education and exercise physiology before earning a master’s degree in physical education. But teaching, mentoring, and learning would ultimately become just as important as competition.
Throughout her career, Dr. Cummings has worked as a personal trainer and program coordinator in senior communities and recreation programs, designing health, fitness, and athletic programming. She later transitioned into higher education, first as an adjunct instructor teaching courses such as personal fitness and health before returning to her alma mater, Bridgewater State University, to teach Biomechanics. After one year, she accepted a full-time temporary faculty position in Biomechanics, teaching courses in biomechanics, motor learning, laboratory sciences, and physical education.
It was during those years in the classroom that she realized the next step in her kinesiology career required a doctorate.
Choosing CSP Global’s Online Doctorate in Kinesiology
“I realized that if I wanted to advance in my field, be taken seriously in research, teach advanced courses, and teach at the graduate level, I would need to complete my doctorate,” she said. While continuing to teach full time, she enrolled in Concordia University, St. Paul’s online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Kinesiology program.
However, choosing a doctoral kinesiology program wasn’t a decision Dr. Cummings took lightly. “I was extremely picky when choosing an institution for my doctoral studies.” Having worked in higher education, she understood what colleges and universities value when hiring faculty.
“I wanted a college or university that was an established institution, not one that existed solely online. I wanted a place with a physical campus, one where students could attend classes in person as well as online.”
She also wanted a university known for academic rigor, respected faculty, and a program that would allow her to continue advancing professionally while pursuing her degree. “CSP provided all of those things,” she said. “I felt it held some really good values I stood behind in general, and their program was up to date and growing.”
Faculty Support and Community in an Online Doctoral Degree Program
Although flexibility initially attracted her to the CSP Global program, Dr. Cummings identified the sense of connection as a significant standout feature.
“What I valued most was that, even though we were in an online program, the faculty truly knew who we were and were easy to connect with throughout our time in the program,” she said.
Whether she had a question about coursework or needed additional guidance, faculty members were consistently available. “I never felt like just a number or as though I didn’t matter,” she said. “That’s not an easy thing to achieve when students are spread across the country.”
Her cohort also became an unexpected source of encouragement. “We frequently connected online, worked together, and supported one another,” she said. “It often felt as though we were on campus together, even though we lived in different parts of the country.”
As a college educator, Dr. Cummings recognizes that online learning isn’t the right fit for everyone. For her, however, it made earning a doctorate possible. “I couldn’t simply cancel classes because my students depended on me,” she explained. Instead, coursework became part of her daily routine. “For me, completing coursework often meant working at 4:30 in the morning before work, at night after getting home, during breaks throughout the day, or on weekends.” That flexibility allowed her to stay on track while balancing a demanding teaching schedule.
“The online format allowed me to take on additional coursework and graduate sooner than expected because I was disciplined, motivated, and wanted to finish efficiently rather than spend additional time and money commuting.”
Dissertation Research in the EdD in Kinesiology Program
Dr. Cummings’ dissertation research combined her interests in exercise science, psychology, and military performance. Titled Investigating the Impacts of Music and Cadence on Military Physical Training Test Performance, the study examined whether music, cadence, or neither influenced pass/fail outcomes during military fitness testing. Rather than focusing solely on physical performance, her research explored the psychological factors that can affect testing experiences. “While the use of music or cadence may not improve performance in a measurable way based on pass/fail outcomes, it may play an important role in a participant’s psychological readiness,” she explained.
She hopes the findings will help inform future conversations about military fitness testing and reduce concerns that music or cadence provide an unfair advantage. “If individuals are not physically prepared, music or cadence alone is unlikely to improve outcomes significantly,” she said. Ultimately, her work extends beyond testing protocols. “It helps me continue pursuing the broader goal of my dissertation: ensuring that service members, veterans, and their families find ways to stay active, healthy, and engaged throughout their lives,” she said. “To me that’s really the main goal, and it’s really rewarding overall.”
This applied kinesiology research reflects the type of scholarly inquiry students pursue throughout CSP Global’s doctoral kinesiology program while addressing real-world challenges in health, performance, and physical activity.
Dr. Angelina Cummings at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Ruck4HIT.
Supporting Veterans Through Research and Service
Dr. Cummings’ passion for supporting military and veteran communities extends well beyond her research.
This year, while beginning a new position as Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Dean College, she also served on the organizing committee for the Heroes in Transition Ruck4HIT event on Cape Cod. As Care Team Assistant, she coordinated physical therapy, massage therapy, athletic training, and care team volunteers supporting athletes during the three-day endurance event. This year also marked her first time participating as an athlete.
“The funds raised support veterans and military families across Cape Cod and Massachusetts while also raising awareness of their needs,” she said.
Advice for Future Doctorate in Kinesiology Students
Looking back on her CSP Global doctoral journey, Dr. Cummings encourages future students to remember that persistence matters more than perfection:
“There will be times when you question whether you’ll ever see the end of the journey. You will.”
Her advice is practical: stay organized, start assignments early, and don’t hesitate to seek help. “If you don’t understand something, ask questions,” she said. “Your professors will go above and beyond to help, but it’s up to you to reach out.”
Moreover, when it comes to the dissertation, consistency is everything:
“Try to write for at least 20 minutes every other day. You’ll be surprised by how much progress you can make in just 20 minutes at a time.”
Building a Career in Exercise Science and Kinesiology
Today, Dr. Cummings serves as Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Dean College, where she recently completed her first year teaching an ambitious 5/5 course load while helping the college through the NECHE accreditation process. She is currently pursuing additional professional certifications, developing a new course for the spring semester, and continuing her service through events including the Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk, Ruck4HIT, and the Falmouth Road Race military program. “I stay busy,” she said, “but all of these experiences have been incredibly rewarding.”
Whether she’s teaching future exercise professionals, conducting research, mentoring students, or supporting veterans and military families, Dr. Cummings continues to build a career rooted in education, service, and a lifelong belief in the power of movement to change lives. Her story demonstrates how an online doctorate in kinesiology can support professionals pursuing leadership, teaching, and research.
Interested in earning an online Doctorate in Kinesiology through a flexible online format? Learn how CSP Global’s Doctorate in Kinesiology program can help you advance your expertise in leadership, teaching, research, and professional practice.