March 15, 2022

This summer, George Cunningham, Ph.D., will join the College of Health & Human Performance at the University of Florida as the inaugural chair for the Department of Sport Management.

What excites you about joining The Gator Nation?
The University of Florida is a premier public university, and the Sport Management Department has exceptional faculty, staff, and students. I look forward to working with my colleagues to reach new levels of excellence and impact.

What goals do you have for your new position?
My first priority will be to spend time with the faculty, staff, and students so I can learn more about the department, college, and university. I then envision the department collectively developing a strategic plan, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusive excellence, pursuing interdisciplinary collaborations, reviewing the curriculum, and identifying ways to share our many wonderful achievements.

What is something about you that is important for the college community to know about you?
I am committed to advancing diversity and inclusive excellence, impactful scholarship, and student-centered educational experiences – all of which will help to promote health and wellbeing through sport and physical activity.

Where do you go for inspiration?
I love to be in nature and will regularly take hikes or walks as a source of inspiration.

While we know that sports are part of your research, do you have any favorite teams or a favorite sport in particular?
I grew up in north Texas, so I was socialized to root for Dallas teams. This makes for interesting dynamics come baseball season, as I root for the Texas Rangers but my wife and daughters are Houston Astros fans.

Do you have any favorite quotes?
To paraphrase my favorite quote: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
When considering whether to pursue graduate education, the president of my alma mater (Louis J. Rodriguez; Midwestern State University) advised me that the best investment you can make is investing in your education. It was true 25 years ago and remains true today.

Read more about Dr. Cunningham in the appointment announcement >

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