Education

Ph.D., Sport Management, University of Florida
M.S., Health, Kinesiology and Sport Studies, Texas A&M University at Commerce
B.S., Sport and Recreation Management, Texas A&M University at Commerce
A.A., Liberal Arts, Collin Community College

Background

Joseph L. Herman II joined the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management within the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management at the University of South Carolina in August 2024. Throughout his career, Herman II has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience and advancing the field of sport management through innovative research. His dedication to education and athletics is evident from his time as a scholarship student-athlete at Texas College, the place he began his educational journey while excelling in both academics and football.

Herman II cultivated a rich teaching and research portfolio at the University of Florida, serving as an instructor of record and a graduate research assistant. His teaching responsibilities included courses such as social issues in sport, managing organizations in sport, and sport career transitions. His research interests are diverse, focusing on leadership, intercollegiate athletics reform, student-athlete development and experience, narrative identification in sport, and sport sociology. Herman II has contributed to several refereed publications, including; Journal of Athlete Development and Experience; Sport, Education and Society; and Sociology of Sport Journal.

In addition to his academic roles, Herman II has presented at numerous conferences, sharing his insights on various topics related to sport sociology and student-athlete experiences. His presentations at the North American Society of Sport Management and the College Sport Research Institute reflect his deep engagement with contemporary issues in sport management and education. Herman II's work has helped him earn several honors and awards, including the University of Florida SPM Doctoral Research Grant and participation in the Board of Education Summer Fellowship Program.

Herman II's professional experience extends beyond academia, with significant roles in the sport industry and fitness management. He has worked with The Star in Frisco/Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and the James Thrower Student-Athlete Success Center, gaining practical insights into sport operations and athlete development. His experience as a fitness manager and head trainer further underscore his dedication to promoting health and performance in both educational and professional settings.

Awards / Honors

• University of Florida SPM Doctoral Research Grant
• Board of Education Summer Fellowship Program Participant Summer
• Grinter Fellowship Program Participant
• Phi Delta Kappa TAMUC Chapter 101 Undergraduate Award Winner
• Phi Theta Kappa
• National Honor Society
• Dean’s List

Research Interests

• Leadership
• Student-Athlete Experience
• Post-Athletic Career Transition
• Sport Sociology
• Intercollegiate Athletics Reform
• Student-Athlete Development
• Narrative Identification in Sport
• Master Cultural Narrative in Sport

Professional Affiliations

• North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)
• North American Society for the Sociology of Sport (NASSS)
• Professional Association of Athlete Development Specialist (PAADS)

Research Publications

Herman II, J. L. (2023). The "other" NIL and sport crit: Narrative, identity, and liminality of Black gendered scholar-athletes. Journal of Athlete Development and Experience, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.25035/jade.05.02.03

Cooper, J. N., Keaton, A. C. I., Mack, M. N., Flowers, R., & Herman II, J. L. (2023). A new paradigm for sport education programs: An equity-minded and anti-ism framework. Sport, Education and Society, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2023.2217835