UNCF McBay Fellow · Author · Researcher advancing sport sociology, inclusive pedagogy, and global sport governance.
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte, NC
01/About Me
I am Dr. Micah J. Dobson, an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. My research focuses on how sport policy, culture, and urban spaces shape opportunities for underrepresented youth.
My academic foundation spans an undergraduate degree in Sport Management Administration from Elizabeth City State University, an M.S. in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. in Sport Management from Northcentral University, where my doctoral research investigated after-school sport programming for at-risk youth.
Today, my research program is defined by four core pillars:
1. Inclusive PE: Equal access, gender equality, and representation.
2. Gentrification & Race: Urban redevelopment and capitalism in Raleigh, NC.
3. After-School Sport: Mentorship and program evaluation for at-risk youth.
4. Global Sport Diplomacy: Evaluating global policy impacts on HBCUs.
Beyond research and publishing, my daily passion is mentoring the next generation of sport leaders and establishing strategic community athletic partnerships.
My full academic background, publication history, and teaching records can be found in my Curriculum Vitae.
02/Education
2017–2021
Ph.D. in Sport Management
Northcentral University
Dissertation: 'Instructional and Non-Instructional Staff Perceptions on At-Risk Males in a Structured After-School Sport and Recreational Program: A Qualitative Study'. Graduated with Kappa Delta Pi Honors (GPA: 3.90).
2015–2017
M.S. in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management
North Carolina State University
Graduate study focusing on community leisure systems, athletic programs, and municipal park Supervisions (GPA: 3.5).
2011–2015
B.S. in Sport Management Administration
Elizabeth City State University
Undergraduate curriculum covering sport law, economics, marketing, and institutional athletic management (GPA: 3.5).
03/Work Experience
2025–Present
Assistant Professor of Sport Management (Tenure-Track)
Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, NC)
Instructing courses including Sport Law, Sport Facilities & Event Management, Sport Sociology & Ethics, and Research Methods.
2023–Present
Lecturer
North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC)
Instructed classes in the Department of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management.
2021–2025
Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor of Recreation Management
Shaw University (Raleigh, NC)
Served as Recreation Management Program Coordinator and Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR).
04/Publications
Rhythms of Change: Hip Hop's Lasting Impact on Millennial and Gen-Z Movements in Sport, Culture, and Activism
Micah J. Dobson & Tyler Bunzey (Eds.)
Routledge Handbook Proposal (Under Development) • Routledge / Taylor & Francis Group (2025)
An academic handbook critically analyzing the connections between hip-hop culture, Millennial and Gen-Z political activism, and the sports industrial complex, contextualizing how youth movements navigate identity and systemic challenges through sport and music.
Routledge Textbook Series (ISBN: 9781003596899) • Routledge / Taylor & Francis Group (2026)
A comprehensive book detailing contemporary methodologies for structuring and supervising anti-oppressive and highly accessible physical education curriculums.
Leveraging Recreation and Leisure Activities for Psychosocial Rehabilitation: An Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive Approach for Underrepresented Youth and Teens
Micah J. Dobson
International Journal of Inclusive Recreation • Routledge Publishing (2024)
Research paper establishing pathways to use structured physical recreation as an anti-oppressive therapy tool for historically minoritized youth.
Ph.D. Dissertation • Northcentral University (2021)
Doctoral dissertation investigating the perceptions of staff working with at-risk youth inside structured after-school sport and recreational programs.
05/Teaching
Instructor of Record
Sport Management (SPM)
12
SPM230Introduction to Sport Management
SPM238Principles of Community Engagement
SPM277Psychological & Cultural Dimensions of Sport
Show all 12 courses
Instructor of Record
Recreation & Park Management
13
REC201Foundations of Leisure & Recreation
REC230Introduction to Park Management
REC281Principles & Techniques of Recreation Leadership
Show all 13 courses
Instructor of Record
Physical Education & Wellness
2
PED110Fit & Well for Life
HEA110Personal Health & Wellness
06/Research Projects
2026–2027
Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship
Hosting Org: United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
Awarded fellowship ($20,000) supporting research at the intersection of hip-hop culture and sport: examining how hip-hop serves as a framework for identity, community engagement, and social justice within sport management and HBCU athletic programs.
2026–2030
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Academic Partnership
Hosting Org: Johnson C. Smith University & University of the Western Cape
Joint initiative establishing international exchange, sports management curriculum development, and cultural competency pathways (Status: Under Review).
2022–2023
How the Implementation of a Recreation Equity-Based Afterschool Program Can Decrease Suspension Rates for Underrepresented Youth
Hosting Org: Shaw University, Center for Racial and Social Justice
Pilot study investigating the effects of structured physical play and university MIND mentors on suspension rates. PI: Dobson, Co-PI: Dr. Erin Moore. (Funded: $10,000).
Co-founded a specialized academic consultancy supporting researchers across disciplines. Lead developmental editing, structural design, and copyediting, empowering scholars to articulate high-impact research, refine methodological coherence, and successfully meet the standards of peer-reviewed publication.
2027-02
Book Review Panel, American Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Meeting
Role: Invited Panelist @ AAG Conference, New York City (NYC)
Invited to serve on a distinguished academic panel reviewing recent literature on geographies of race, urban change, and sports development.
2026-06
Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad
Submitted application for Assistant Editor position, contributing to peer review coordination and international academic study exchange publications.
2026-03
Inclusive Sports As A Catalyst For Social Change
Role: Public Lecturer @ Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
Guest lecture on utilizing inclusive recreation administration models to foster community cohesion and reduce athletic performance anxiety.
2026-10
Bridging Continents Through Sport: Innovation, Inclusion, and Leadership
Role: Co-Presenter @ JCSU & University of Nairobi Virtual Conference
Collaborative session exploring adaptive leadership, sport facilities management, and administrative sports exchange.
2026-09
The Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion in Olympic Games
Role: Presenter @ 18th International Conference on Sport & Society (Brazil) & 34th EASM Conference (Greece)
Exploring the intersection of career experiences and accessibility barriers facing student-athletes from HBCUs in global sports.
2026-12
Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy for Sustainable Development
Role: Oral Presenter @ AIESEP International Seminar 2026 — Vitória, Brazil
Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the AIESEP (Association Internationale des Écoles Supérieures d'Éducation Physique) International Seminar, December 2–3, 2026. Presenting on physical education pedagogy frameworks aligned with sustainable development goals.
08/Awards
2026-08
Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship
Conferred by: United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
Selected as a recipient of the prestigious McBay Fellowship ($20,000), awarded to HBCU faculty pursuing innovative research. Directed toward a hip-hop and sport research project exploring hip-hop culture as a framework for identity, community building, and social justice within sport management and HBCU athletic programs.
2026-05
Dean’s Excellence Award, Outstanding Faculty Research Award
Conferred by: Johnson C. Smith University, College of Business & Professional Studies
Awarded to faculty demonstrating exceptional scholarship, publishing peer-reviewed books, and engaging students in research.
2025-04
Dr. Doris R. Corbett-Johnson Leaders for Our Future Award
Conferred by: SHAPE AMERICA (Society of Health and Physical Educators)
National recognition presented to physical educators championing diverse curriculum designs and leadership in health and physical education.
09/Gallery
Discover highlights of my research journey, showcasing key moments from conferences, university collaborations, and publications.
