Finding a Passion for Teaching and Adaptive Fitness

After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a master’s degree in kinesiology, Dr. Wallace was hired at Ouachita Baptist University. It was there that she fell in love with teaching and decided to take the next step by enrolling in a doctoral program.

“Concordia University St. Paul seemed to be the perfect fit for me to increase my knowledge in the field,” she shares.

Why an Online PhD in Kinesiology?

Given her demanding work schedule, Dr. Wallace did not have the time to sit physically for classes, making an online format the only viable option.

For working professionals asking, “How do you balance a full-time career with a doctoral program?”, Dr. Wallace’s experience highlights the importance of a structured online curriculum. By integrating the dissertation process directly into the coursework, she was able to effectively manage her heavy workload as an undergraduate educator while pursuing her doctorate in the online PhD in Kinesiology program.

“The key benefit of doing an online doctoral program is that all the courses were organized in a very tangible format. The dissertation was separated into separate courses as well, which made the workload manageable while also teaching at the undergraduate level,” she explains.

Beyond the structure, she acknowledges how CSP’s doctoral program impacted her both personally and professionally through its supportive faculty.

“I learned so much content and how to conduct research properly. I can’t say enough about the intentionality of each of my professors. They contributed dramatically to my growth as an educator and helped me reach goals that once seemed very lofty. Their kindness, quick responses, and expansive knowledge made my experience at CSP incredible and empowering,” she says.

Dissertation Research: Elevating Adaptive Fitness Programs

Dr. Wallace’s dissertation was titled, “The effects of group-based exercise on body composition and participation in individuals with developmental disabilities.” She has always been passionate about increasing healthcare accessibility for this population. Dr. Wallace’s ability to successfully implement an evidence-based adaptive fitness program at Ouachita Baptist University was a direct result of the applied research she conducted during her dissertation at CSP.

“I am so grateful to my advisor, Dr. Steve Ross, for encouraging me and guiding me through the entire dissertation process,” she adds.

Dr. Hallie Wallace (far right) leading labs in the Exercise Science Program at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR.

Real-World Impact in the Classroom and Clinic

Since graduation, she continues to make strides with her research and her career. In addition to teaching, Dr. Wallace works as an Exercise Physiologist at Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock, where she is making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients.

“CSP prepared me for advanced exercise prescription, biomechanics, and health education and counselling, which I use daily as I teach and treat patients,” she notes.

Upon reflecting on her time in the doctoral program, she admits that she was initially afraid to begin her doctorate but gained immense confidence because of her professors. Today, she is applying her learnings every day and plans to continue teaching, mentoring, and treating patients who suffer from chronic disease.

Her advice for future students?

“Take the leap, believe in yourself, and know that you have so much support within the faculty at CSP.”

Ready to Elevate Your Clinical and Teaching Career?

Dr. Hallie Wallace used her PhD to bridge the gap between higher education and clinical exercise physiology, enabling her to lead adaptive fitness programs and treat patients with advanced expertise. Whether you aim to become a university professor or a clinical leader, discover how the flexible, online Doctorate in Kinesiology at CSP Global can help you turn your clinical passion into real-world action. For sports medicine professionals, translating clinical knowledge into broad, community-level education is a powerful way to elevate athlete safety.