Karla Jones, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Karla F. Jones is a native of Fayetteville, N.C., and a graduate of East Carolina University. Within the College of Health & Human Performance at ECU, she established the Karla Faye Jones Scholarship. In addition, she is a 2015 recipient of the ECU Top 40 Under 40 Alumni Award, the 2019 ECU Incredible Women’s Award, and the 2022 Laura Maire Leary Courageous Leadership Award.

In Sport Management, she has presented at numerous national/regional Sport Management and Kinesiology conferences/conventions, has various publications, and is actively conducting research within the field. She received her start within the sports industry through ECU Sport Marketing. She was a member of the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets NBA Security team for over nine years.

Dr. Jones was an adjunct professor at Queens University of Charlotte from 2014 through 2020 within the Health and Human Performance department before becoming a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor. In addition, she served as an adjunct professor in Sport Management at Johnson C. Smith University. Previously at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), she was the Discipline Chair of the Health & Physical Education Department and Chair of Worksite Wellness.

Dr. Jones is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (serves on a National Committee Member), Advisory Board Member for the Knothole Foundation, Member of NC SHAPE’s Sport Management Association (Immediate Past President), Heart Association of Greater Charlotte Board of Directors, Member ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors (Immediate Past Chair), Area Director with Toastmasters International, and Faculty Lead Facilitator with Sport Biz Camps. She is a current advisory board member for the Knothole Foundation.

Education

Ph.D., Business Administration, Northcentral University
Ed.D., Sport Management, United States Sports Academy
M.A., Exercise & Sports Science (Athletic Administration), East Carolina University
B.S., Exercise & Sports Science (Health & Fitness Specialist), East Carolina University