This paper provides a description and documentation of two significant events in the history of our field: (1) the development of our field and the doctoral program review process and outcome by the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education; and (2) the process by which the Academy successfully had "kinesiology" included as a discipline in the life sciences for the doctoral review by the National Research Council. Achieving recognition by the Council and other groups such as National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and Council of Graduate Schools is a significant step in achieving recognition of kinesiology as a scientific discipline devoted to the study of physical activity and its value in developing healthy lifestyle behaviors in humans. (Contains 2 tables.)