When Dr. Howard enrolled, she wasn’t simply pursuing another degree; she was helping write the first chapter of a new program’s history. Today she continues to shape the future of the program from a very different perspective: mentoring the students who are now following the path she helped establish.

Transitioning from the Fitness Field to Academia

Dr. Howard’s journey, however, began long before she stepped into a college classroom. “I have worked in the health and fitness field for over 30 years in various roles in corporate, commercial, hospital, and college settings,” she said. Those experiences gave her firsthand knowledge of an ever-changing profession and eventually led her to teaching. In 2014, Dr. Howard joined CSP Global as a part-time instructor, a decision that would change the trajectory of her career. “I absolutely loved it,” she said.

Dr. Denise Howard after completing the Javelina Jundred, a 100-mile race in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, AZ (2022). Finishing a 100-mile ultramarathon traditionally earns a custom belt buckle rather than a standard medal.

When a full-time faculty opportunity became available in 2020, Dr. Howard did not hesitate. “I did not plan on being a full-time college professor one day, but I cannot imagine being anywhere else now,” she reflected. “Life presented me with an amazing opportunity, and I took it.”

To advance in her career path within the department, Dr. Howard chose to enroll in 2021 in the newly formed doctoral program. By doing so, she created a pathway for herself to her current role as Department Chair.

Even as a faculty member, Dr. Howard never saw learning as something that ends once a career begins. “As a faculty member at CSP, I have experienced first-hand the high-quality academic programs offered. I am surrounded by high achievers. This is extremely motivating.”

She had watched the university’s doctoral program take shape and wanted to experience it herself. “I saw the hard work that went into creating and developing the Kinesiology doctoral program, and I wanted to be part of it.” Her motivation wasn’t simply personal, but it was rooted in the responsibility she feels toward her students. “The field is constantly changing. I went back for my doctoral degree to stay relevant, and I was craving more information to share with my students.”

Ultrarunning Research and Mental Resilience

Outside the classroom, Dr. Howard pursues another passion that has shaped both her research and her outlook on life: ultrarunning, which is any footrace that covers more than 26.2 miles, or the length of a standard marathon.

Dr. Denise Howard after finishing the William O’Brien 50k race at Marine on St. Croix in Minnesota (2023).

“I enjoy the challenges of running all day.” The sport has taught her lessons that extend far beyond endurance. “It is a sport in which setbacks are more common than successes, failure happens, and fatigue is part of life.”

Those experiences inspired her dissertation, which explored ultrarunners’ perceptions of recovery and recovery techniques.

“The field of ultrarunning is slowly growing but remains under-researched,” she said. “I wanted to contribute to the field I am passionate about.”

Dr. Howard’s research reflects the same curiosity that has defined her career: using evidence to better understand how people perform, recover, and thrive. More importantly, ultrarunning reinforced a mindset she now brings to every aspect of her life.

“Participating in a sport that comes with extreme highs and lows has taught me the important life skill of mental resilience and given me the courage to pursue scary adventures (doctoral degree!).”

Dr. Howard’s work in the field continues today. She recently published research examining the psychological experiences of ultrarunners after races using data from her dissertation and is already beginning another study, expanding her research in ultrarunning.

What Moves Dr. Howard: The Connection Between Learning and Teaching

Her experiences as both a student and faculty member have shaped how she leads. “My experience in different settings has shown me how important evidence-based practice is,” she said. “I use what I have learned to help students connect what they study with real-world situations.”

What moves her isn’t administration or research. According to Dr. Howard, “what excites me most is connecting with and mentoring students, and I find it rewarding to help them gain confidence and grow academically and professionally.”

Having experienced the doctoral program firsthand has also made her a more empathetic educator. “I loved the experience of being a student at CSP,” she said. “Having the student perspective and going through the process from application to graduation helps me connect with the students.”

For Dr. Howard, that experience also reaffirmed something deeper. “Being a student at a Christian institution reiterated my vocational calling to serve our students,” she reflected. “I am very proud to be a CSP faculty member and an alum.”

The Power of a Supportive Doctoral Cohort

After more than three decades in the profession, Dr. Howard still believes the best educators are lifelong learners. “I strive to be a role model in my field. I want to inspire my students to aim high for academic and professional achievements.” Looking back, what she values most about the doctoral experience isn’t just what she learned, but how encouraged she felt throughout the journey. “I always felt fully supported,” she shared.

Research consistently shows that doctoral candidates with strong faculty mentorship are significantly more likely to complete their dissertations. CSP Global’s EdD in Kinesiology program leans into this evidence-based approach by capping class sizes and assigning dedicated faculty mentors, creating a supportive environment that helps working professionals navigate the complex dissertation process.

For Dr. Howard, small class sizes allowed meaningful relationships to develop, and those relationships became one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

“CSP’s nurturing environment empowered me to take charge of my education. With the guidance of a carefully curated support team, I was able to manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and navigate the intricate process of dissertation writing,” she says.

Perhaps most influential were the faculty members who helped guide Dr. Howard. “The instructors and committee members were not just educators; they were mentors, guiding me through challenges and celebrating my victories.” Today, she carries that same philosophy into her own classroom: “The doctoral faculty made a difference for me. They were more than just instructors. Their support and real interest in my success motivate me to offer the same to my students.”

She describes earning her doctorate as much more than an academic achievement: “Pursuing a doctoral degree was not merely about earning a degree for me; it was about personal growth and the journey of intellectual discovery.”

Advice for Future Kinesiology Scholars

When students ask how she balanced doctoral coursework while working full-time, working part-time, supporting her family, and training as an ultrarunner, she offers encouragement grounded in experience: “You can do so much more than you think you can!”

Dr. Howard balanced it all through strict discipline and consistency. “I did homework every morning from 5-7 AM, with extra time on weekends, and set my due dates several days in advance. I completed everything on time and maintained a 4.0.” More than anything, she discovered something about herself along the way.

“I discovered during my academic journey that I am stronger than I thought and can do more than I thought I could.”

Her story reflects the very qualities she hopes to cultivate in her students: curiosity, perseverance, humility, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As the very first graduate of CSP Global’s doctoral program, Dr. Howard helped establish its legacy. By continuing to serve as a teacher, mentor, researcher, and leader, she ensures that legacy continues to grow with every student who follows.

Ready to advance your career and contribute to the future of health and human performance? Explore the online EdD in Kinesiology at CSP Global and discover how our supportive, flexible programs can help you achieve your professional goals.