Dr. Kendall Harris

Dr. Kendall Harris is a newly appointed Assistant Professor of Sport Management in Hampton University’s Department of Sports Science and Wellness. Through his work in the classroom, Dr. Harris seeks to prepare students for careers throughout the sport industry by connecting academic concepts with practical, real-world experiences.

Prior to joining Hampton University, Dr. Harris worked extensively in collegiate athletics at various institutions in higher education for 10 years as an Athletic Academic Advisor. His most recent stint was at his alma mater, Delaware State University, where he provided academic support and guidance to NCAA Division I student-athletes, including serving as the primary academic administrator for the football program and working with women’s basketball. Throughout his career in collegiate athletics, Dr. Harris has had the opportunity to work alongside accomplished athletes, coaches, and sport professionals, including NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion DeSean Jackson, former NFL players and collegiate coaches Donovan Warren and Thomas Sims, and former WNBA player and collegiate coach Khadijah Rushdan. These experiences have provided him with valuable perspectives on leadership, athlete development, team culture, and the academic and professional demands associated with high-performance sport.

Dr. Harris earned his Doctor of Sport Management from the United States Sports University, where his doctoral research examined the impact of social media on the mental health of collegiate student-athletes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to his work in sport management, he has pursued specialized education in sport psychology and mental performance.

His professional interests include helping athletes develop the psychological skills necessary to navigate performance demands, transitions, identity, and life beyond sport. His personal interests include playing various adult flag football leagues and participating in community service. He is a Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., where he has held leadership and mentorship roles at the collegiate, alumni, and state levels. Drawing upon his experiences in academics, NCAA Division I athletics, student development, and sport psychology, he encourages students to think critically about both the business and human dimensions of sport while preparing them to become effective professionals and leaders within the industry.