������

Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology observes anniversary; MWACSM and Kent State share parallel histories

Who better to deliver the keynote speech to nearly 700 attendees at the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine’s (MWACSM) annual meeting than associate professor Derek Kingsley, whose exercise science and exercise physiology program celebrates 54 years in existence.

“The keynote was such a carefree moment of all the talks I've given, and it was probably one of the highlights of my career,” said Kingsley, who served as Midwest ACSM president for four years due to the COVID pandemic (2018-2022), and is one of three Kent State faculty to serve as president of the Midwest chapter, succeeding Larry Golding (1970-1973) and Wayne Sinning (1980-1983).

“Kent State has really been involved with this organization since the inception and has kind of maintained a really high level of involvement,” said Kingsley, who is also the program coordinator for Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology in the School of Health Sciences. “The growth of our Ph.D. program has fallen in line with and run parallel alongside the growth of the Midwest chapter of ACSM over the years, and that's why I was excited to talk about our shared history.”

The Midwest chapter, which was signed into fruition by a group of people that included then president Golding, recently celebrated its 54^th anniversary. Just weeks later Golding signed into fruition Kent State’s doctoral program for Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology.

Kent State hosted the first annual Midwest ACSM conference in December of 1970. In the mid-70’s, Golding left Kent State and was replaced by Wayne Sinning. In the early 80’s, Kent State hosted a second MWACSM conference. According to Kingsley, the regional chapters allow undergraduate students to get involved with research and the national organization.

Kingsley believes the regional chapter works hard to welcome undergraduate students with social events like Jeopardy-style quiz contests, networking opportunities and brunches.

“I think Midwest has worked really hard to be a fun experience for students in a lot of ways,” said Kingsley. “The other regional chapters are doing very similar things.”

Wall of Fame showcases Kent State alumna, MWACSM chapter presidents

Only three doctoral programs in exercise science and exercise physiology exist in the state of Ohio: Kent State, Ohio State and Toledo. Yet, enrollment in Kent State’s exercise science and exercise physiology programs has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Currently, the program has about 350 undergraduates, 25 graduate students and 20 doctoral students.  

Located on the first floor of the MACC Annex, the newly expanded Wall of Fame spotlights 121 doctoral graduates from the Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology program, and highlights faculty that have made a lasting impression including Golding, Sinning, and current School Director Ellen Glickman, a 28-year Kent State employee.

“With the new wall we have added 15 Ph.D. students to the new wall that we didn't have room for previously,” said Kingsley. “I know every name on that wall, and I can almost tell you where they're located. We can pop them in and out, and they're arranged in order of graduation date. Now we have room for 33 more students.”

Kingsley believes Kent State’s program has dictated most of the exercise science and exercise physiology programs at several institutions across Northeast Ohio. Further, it has produced faculty at the University of Mount Union (2), Baldwin Wallace University (2), and the University of Akron (2).

“At the very end of the wall we have these plaques with the dates of faculty who were here,” said Kingsley. “We chose faculty who completed about 20 years of work with our program. These are the people who have really put our program on the map. They’re responsible for our rich history. That's one of the reasons I was so hyped to give the keynote. I knew a lot of people in the room because they're Ph.D. students from our program.”

Kingsley worked with Lynn Darby, Ph.D. at Bowling Green State University, who spent years uncovering the history of ACSM’s Midwest chapter. The two are currently working on giving a presentation about the history of the regional conferences at this year’s national gathering.

“I love this organization with all my heart,” he said. “I love the scene and the students.”