A Passion for Movement and Mentorship
Dr. Robinson loves investing in students through movement, sports, and lifelong wellness. In addition to teaching, he has been coaching basketball for two decades, serving as a mentor to students both on and off the court. He has always been interested in higher education but did not originally plan to continue following his master’s degrees.
“I’ve always had a passion for learning, and when I came across Concordia’s program after watching videos and hearing testimonies, I felt like it was the right next step. It combined my love for movement, my desire to grow professionally, and my personal values.”
He chose CSP because the program aligned with his passion for helping people live healthier, more active lives. “The program was accessible and flexible, but also rigorous and deeply engaging. Through this program, I’ve been able to expand my understanding of kinesiology, which has directly impacted the way I teach and lead initiatives in my school.”
The newly credentialed Dr. Josh Robinson at the December 2025 commencement ceremony. Students in online programs can choose to attend commencement on campus in St. Paul, MN.
Balancing Teaching, Coaching, and a Doctoral Program
For educators asking, “How do you balance a full-time career with a doctoral program?”, Dr. Robinson’s experience demonstrates the power of a supportive online structure. As a full-time teacher, coach, and parent, he utilized CSP Global’s flexible online format to manage his rigorous coursework without stepping away from his career or family commitments. Due to these responsibilities, Dr. Robinson could only pursue this degree in an online format. He found exactly what he needed in the online EdD in Kinesiology program.
“What stood out most was that even though it was online it never felt distant. The professors, committee members, and especially the program director, Dr. Buns, were approachable and invested. The classes were rigorous and challenging, but that rigor is what made me grow. The online structure gave me flexibility, while the faculty provided a personal, connected experience.”
Reflecting on his time in the kinesiology doctoral program, Dr. Robinson shares: “My experience at Concordia St. Paul exceeded my expectations in every way. The program offered the perfect balance of flexibility and structure, allowing me to progress academically while still managing the demands of work and family life.”
Dissertation Research: The Active School Program
Dr. Robinson was especially fond of the dissertation process. “My advisor, Dr. Angela Nippert, was incredibly patient and always pushed me to become the best version of myself in my writing and research. The scaffolding and support from my entire committee made the process feel manageable and purposeful. Dr. Buns, the program director, was also extremely helpful, insightful, and accessible whenever guidance was needed.”
His dissertation focused on implementing and evaluating a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) at a public charter high school, driven by his firsthand observation of limited student movement during the school day. Using surveys, focus groups, and program evaluations, he explored how increased physical activity influenced students’ physical, mental, emotional, and academic well-being.
“It truly has been a passion project for me, as it combined my professional role as a PE teacher with my desire to advocate for student wellness at a systemic level.”
Dr. Josh Robinson (standing, left) coaching a varsity boys basketball game at Charter School of Wilmington (Delaware).
Cultivating a Culture of Wellness
This year, Dr. Robinson successfully launched the Active School Program at his high school. Designed to boost student movement throughout the day, the program includes classroom activity breaks, after-school offerings, and student-led initiatives. Dr. Robinson’s ability to successfully launch and sustain the Active School Program at the Charter School of Wilmington was a direct result of the applied research and program evaluation skills he developed during his EdD dissertation at CSP Global.
“What makes me proud is that it gained momentum and is still running. Students have taken ownership, staff have seen the benefits. For me, this isn’t just a project, it’s part of creating a culture of wellness that I hope will impact schools for years to come.”
Going forward, he plans to continue teaching at his high school and explore opportunities at the college level. He also wants to continue building upon the success of his Active School Program by partnering with other school districts so more students can experience the benefits of increased physical activity.
Dr. Josh Robinson’s advice for CSP’s doctoral students is to “trust the process and lean into the support the program provides. There will be moments when the workload feels overwhelming, but remind yourself of the reason you started. Stay organized, carve out consistent time each week for your studies, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from your professors.”
He also encourages students to connect with their peers. He highly recommends the kinesiology doctoral program to anyone looking to advance their career in kinesiology and exercise science. “It not only challenged me academically but also provided an environment where I always felt supported and valued.”
Ready to Advance Your Career in Education and Wellness?
Dr. Josh Robinson used his EdD to bridge the gap between classroom teaching and systemic wellness initiatives, successfully launching an Active School Program that benefits his entire community. Whether you aim to lead new health programs at your school, elevate your coaching career, or transition to higher education, discover how the flexible, online Doctorate in Kinesiology at CSP Global can help you achieve your professional goals.