Christina Martin
Professor of Business and Chair of Sport Management and Hospitality
Leadership and Coaching, Business Administration, Sports Management

Part of Belhaven since 2024

Contact Info

Education

  • B.S., Mississippi State University
  • M.S., Mississippi State University
  • Ph.D., University of Southern Mississippi

Dr. Christina Martin earned a Ph.D. in Human Performance and Recreation with an Emphasis in Administration and Teaching from the University of Southern Mississippi and an M.S. in Sport Administration from Mississippi State University. Dr. Martin has been an engaged professor in the field of Sport Management since 2008. She has taught various sport management courses at all levels and in all modalities, including Economics, Entrepreneurship, Event Management, Legal Aspects, Research Methods, Risk Management, Sport Foundations, Sport Communication, Sport Marketing, and Sport Pedagogy. Dr. Martin also served her professional community as a past-member on the Board of Commissioners for the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). She continues to serve her profession through her work as a COSMA Program Mentor and her COSMA accreditation site visits as a site team member. Dr. Martin was named to the 2021 COSMA Hall of Fame as a Master Professor and the 2020 Sun Belt Conference Faculty Member of the Year at Troy University.

Dr. Martin is excited to step into the Chair of Sport Administration role at Belhaven University, where she hopes to encourage independent thinking while developing the minds and hearts of young sport professionals. Before she arrived at Belhaven University, Dr. Martin earned full-professorship and served in various roles such as Assessment Coordinator for the College of Health and Human Services, Assistant Dean for the Sorrell College of Business, and most recently served as Director for the School of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management where she had oversight of 4 academic programs including the Ph.D. in Sport Management, M.S. in Sport Management, B.S. in Sport Management and B.S. in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management and an additional 5 minors. Dr. Martin is proud to have led several highly-ranked academic programs in her tenure and remains passionate about setting high standards and leading students to achieve success in their chosen fields.

Research Interests

  • Sport marketing and communication
  • Sport management pedagogy
  • Legal aspects of sports

Interests

Family, sports, running, outdoors

Refereed Publications

  • Hoffman, R., Corr, C. & Martin, C.L.L. (2023). A case study examination of the apologia and antapologia of United States Track and Field athlete Shelby Houlihan. International Journal of Sport Communication, 17(2).
  • Sellars, N., Atwater, C., Corr, C. & Martin, C.L.L. (2023). Student perceptions of program quality: The value of COSMA accreditation in the strategic development of Sport Management curricula. Sport Management Education Journal.
  • Price, B. Farren, G., Stoll, J., Goldsmith, A., Carroll, M.S., Martin, C.L.L. (2022). Tinkering with policies in the digital age: How interscholastic athletics directors address social media use by student-athletes. International Journal of Sport Communication, 15(1), 53-65.
  • Mathner, R.P., Martin, C.L.L., & Rodenberg, R. (2019). Extending sports wagering studies. Journal of Contemporary Athletics, 13(1), 23-38.
  • Waller, R. J., Martin, C.L.L. & Morgan, S. (2017). Is there a need for social workers in intercollegiate athletics? A conceptual study. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics.
  • Miller, J.J., Martin, C.L.L., & Spurlock, A. (2016). Cheerleading as a sport? Perceptions of intercollegiate athletic administrators. Accepted for publication in the International Journal of Sport Management, 17, 294-313.
  • Dixon, A.W., Martinez, J.M., Martin, C.L.L. (2015). Employing social media as a marketing strategy in college sport: An examination of perceived effectiveness in accomplishing organizational objectives. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 12(2), 97-113.
  • Mathner, R., Martin, C.L.L., Carroll, M.C., & Neal, T. (2014). Extending sports wagering studies outside of the student-athlete population: NCAA division I athletic trainers’ gambling Behaviors. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 7, 431-444.
  • Pinzon, S. Martin, C.L.L., Kim, M.K., & Martinez, J.M. (2014). An exploration of the impact and needs of brand identity campaigns within divisions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Journal of Contemporary Athletics, 8(4).
  • Bowers, A.G., Martin, C.L.L., Miller, J.J., Wolfe, B., & Speed, N.M. (2013). I feel pressure: Exploring the phenomenon of body image formation in collegiate female athletes within the context of social comparison theory. Journal of Coaching Education. 6(2), 78-100. 
  • Mathner, R., Martin, C.L.L., & Allen, J.T. (2013). NCAA division I athletic trainers: examining sport wagering behavior. Journal of Contemporary Athletics, 7(3), 161-174.
  • Miller, J., Lee, K. & Martin, C.L.L. (2013). Prayer at interscholastic football games: An exploratory analysis. Journal of Legal Aspects in Sport, 23, 91-106. 
  • Bowers, A.G., Speed, N.M., Wolfe, B., Miller, J.J. & Martin, C.L.L. (2012). The impact of print media on the thin ideal of collegiate female athletes. Journal of Contemporary Athletics, 7(4).
  • Sluder, J.B., Benson, A.A., Martin, C.L.L., & Freeland, R. C. (2012). A southeast United States exploration of social media usage by school administrators in screening prospective and current teachers. Journal of Technology Integration in the Classroom, Winter Issue, 4(2).
  • Martin, L.L. Title IX: implications for women in sport and education. (2012). Sport Management Education Journal, 6(1), 69-70.
  • Mathner, R.P. & Martin, C.L.L. Sport Management Graduate and Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions of Career Choices in Sport Management. (2012). Sport Management Education Journal, 6(1), 21-31.
  • Martin, C.L.L., Speed, N.M., & Gould, T. (2012). Physical education content knowledge and physical activity behaviors: Examining a link between knowledge, activity and behaviors of Mississippi high school students.  MAHPERD Journal, 1(1), 10-17.
  • Hall, S.A., Bowers, A.G., & Martin, C.L.L. (2011). An exploratory study of job satisfaction levels of athletic marketing directors at national collegiate athletic association (NCAA) division I-A institutions. International Journal of Sport Management, Recreation and Tourism, 6(1), 1-17. 
  • Martin, C.L.L., Miller, L., Elsisi, R., Bowers, A., & Hall, S. (2011). An analysis of collegiate athletic marketing strategies and evaluation processes. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 4(1), 42-54.
  • Mathner, R.P., Martin, C.L.L., & Tatum, S. (2010). The Effects of a sportsmanship education program on the behavior of college intramural sports participants. Recreational Sports Journal, 34(2), 119-128.
  • Miller, L.L., Martin, C.L.L., & Martin, T.D. (April/May 2009). “The Activity Pyramid.” Healthy Childcare, 12(3), 14-15.
  • Martin, C.L.L. & Martin, T.D. (February/March 2009). “Flexibility Exercise and the Childcare Provider.” Healthy Childcare, 12(2), 14-15.

Funded External Grants

  • Mathner, R. & Martin, C.L.L. (2023). UNLV International Center for Gamin Regulation, $15,000.
  • Martin, C.L.L., Madison, L.A. & Smith, D. (2016). Batting Cage Renovation Grant. Baseball Tomorrow Fund, $40,000. 
  • McDaniel, L., Speed, N., Krebs, G., & Martin, C.L.L. (2007-2008). Carol M. White PEP Grant, $21,999 Responsibilities: Responsible for statistical analysis and reports
  • McDaniel, L., Speed, N., Krebs, G., & Martin, C.L.L. (2007-2009) Project CARE, $55,000
  • Speed, N. & Martin, C.L.L. (2007) Dubard School for Language Disorders, Motor Skill Development Venture Grant, $5,000

Scholarly Presentations

International & National Peer Reviewed

  • Sellars, N., Atwater, C., Corr, C., & Martin, C.L.L. (2024). Student Perceptions of Program Quality: The Value of COSMA Accreditation in the Strategic Development of Sport Management Curricula. COSMA, Montgomery, AL.
  • Hoffman, R., Corr, C. & Martin, C.L.L. (2024). A Case Study Examination of the Apologia and Antapologia of United States Track and Field Athlete Shelby Houlihan. Accepted for Presentation, COSMA, Montgomery, AL.
  • Mathner, R.P., Martin, C.L.L. & Vogt, S. (2022). Extending Sports Wagering Studies Outside of the NCAA Student-Athlete Population: High School Student-Athletes Gambling and Sport Wagering Behaviors. NASSM, Atlanta, GA.
  • Park, K., Koo, W.G.-Y., Kim, M., & Martin, C.L.L. (2022). The Effect of Playing Narrative Sport Video Games with Face Scanning Technology on Self-Perception Alteration and Sport Consumption Behavioral Intention. NASSM, Atlanta, GA.
  • Ellis, S. & Martin, C.L.L. (2018). Creating a Culture of Caring: Are Intercollegiate Athletics Departments Encouraging Anonymous HIV Testing for Student-Athletes? NASSS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
  • Wilson-Madison, L., Martin, C.L.L. & Miller, J. (2017). An overview of doctoral hospitality management programs: A look at growth, faculty & development. SECSA, Miami, FL.
  • Morgan, S., Miller, J., Martin, C.L.L. & Waller, R.J. (2017). Factors that influence eating attitudes of selected division 1 female student athletes. Applied Sport Management Conference, Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Vansickle, J. & Martin, C.L.L. (2016). Keeping it simple! Best practices in student learning outcomes development and assessment. Commission on Sport Management Accreditation, Tampa, FL.
  • Mathner, R.P., Martin, C.L.L., Carroll, M.S. & Neal, T. (2015). Extending sports wagering studies outside of the student-athlete population: NCAA division I/II/III athletic trainers’ gambling behaviors. National Athletic Trainers’ Association 66th Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, St. Louis, MO.
  • Miller, J., Martin, C.L.L. & Waller, J. (2015) A content analysis of child and spousal abuse U.S. and Canadian laws: Can they deter the professional athlete? Presented at the 2015 North American Society for Sport Management, Ottawa, Ontario.
  • Miller, J., Martin, C.L.L. (2015). But my daddy did it to me!: Analyzing the Adrian Peterson incident and state child abuse laws. Presented at the 2015 Sport and Recreational Law Association, Charlotte, NC.
  • Mathner, R.P., Martin, C.L.L. & Weber, B. (2014). Effective Risk Management Techniques to Address Gambling and Sports Wagering Behavior by NCAA Student-Athletes and Staff. Presented at the 2014 Sport and Recreational Law Association, Orlando, FL.
  • Dixon, A., Barrett, M., Martinez, J.M., & Martin, C.L.L. (2013). Social Media Marketing in Intercollegiate Athletics: Usage and Effectiveness. Presented at the Sport Marketing Association Conference, Albuquerque, NM.
  • Miller, L.L., Wood, B.D., Martin, C.L.L. (2013). To Sell or Not to Sell: A Framework for Understanding the Influencing Factors on Sport Management Students’ Intentions to Pursue a Job in Ticket Sales. Presented at the Sport Marketing Association Conference, Albuquerque, NM.
  • Mathner, R.P. & Martin, C.L.L. (2012). A National Study on Sports Wagering Behavior Among NCAA Athletics Department Staff Members. Presented at the 2012 North American Society of Sport Management, Seattle, WA.
  • Alderman, H., Abney, R., Schwarz, E., Martin, C.L.L., Martin, V., & Stoldt, C. (2012). Preparing a Self-Study for COSMA Accreditation: Focus on Content and Format. Presented at the 2012 North American Society of Sport Management, Seattle, WA.    
  • Allen, J., Mathner, R. & Martin, C.L.L. (2012) NCAA Division I Athletic Trainers: Examining Sport Wagering Behavior, Presented at the 5th Annual Collegiate Sport Research Institute, Chapel Hill, NC. 
  • Martin, C.L.L., Kim, M.K., & Elsisi, R. (2011). Market Segmentation of Division I School Fans through Socio-Demographics and Consumption Level. Presented at the Sport Entertainment Venues Tomorrow Conference, Columbia, SC.
  • Martin, C.L.L., Kim, M.K., Elsisi, R., & Miller, L. (2011). Game Attendance Factors at a Division I University. Presented at the Sport Marketing Association Conference, Houston, TX 
  • Mathner, R., & Martin, C.L.L. (2011). Examining the Prevalence and Scope of Sports Wagering Behaviors by Division I Collegiate Athletic Trainers. Presented at the 24th Annual Conference on Sport, Physical Activity, Recreation and Law, Savannah, GA.
  • Martin, C.L.L., Miller, L., Elsisi, R., Green, F. (2010). Case Analysis of Game Attendance Factors for a Rurally Located Division I University. Presented at the Sport Marketing Association Conference, New Orleans, LA.
  • Elsisi, R., Green, F., Martin, C.L.L., & Miller, L. (2010). Understanding Attendance Similarities and Differences of the Baseball Consumer: A Comparison of Minor League and Collegiate Baseball Attendees. Presented at the Sport Entertainment Venues Tomorrow Conference, Columbia, SC.
  • Mathner, R.P. & Martin, C.L.L. (2010). A Thirteen-Year Comparison of Sport Management Graduate and Undergraduate Students. North American Society for Sport Management, Tampa, FL.
  • Martin, C.L.L, Gibson, A.K., Mathner, R.P., Miller, L.L., Green, F.E. (2009). An Exploratory Analysis on the Need for Standardized Exit Exams for Sport Management Undergraduate Students. North American Society for Sport Management, Columbia, SC.
  • Martin, C.L.L., Miller, L., & Hall, S. (2007). An Examination of Division I Collegiate Athletic Marketing Directors’ Awareness of Employed and Prospective Marketing Strategies. Sport Marketing Association Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Hall, S., Gibson, A., & Martin, C.L.L. (2007). Job Satisfaction of NCAA Division I Athletic Marketing Directors. Sport Marketing Association Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Martin, C.L.L., Gibson, A.K., & Duplantis, P. (2005). A Comparative Analysis of Gender Differences on Viewing Behaviors of Sports Media. 3rd Annual Conference on Girls’ and Women’s Physical Activity and Sport, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA.
  • Furko, L., Glover, M., & Martin, C.L.L. (2004). What’s In It for Me?: Student Perceptions Regarding Majors’ Clubs. Sport Marketing Association Conference, Memphis, TN.

International & National Invited Presentations

  • Martin, C.L.L., Mathner, R.P. & Dixon, A.W. (2018). Alumni tracking: Innovations and improvements. Presentation to the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation. Invited National Webinar.
  • Andrew, D.P.S., Miller, J. Martin, C.L.L. (2013). The Trials and Tribulations of Online Doctoral Education in Sport Management. Presented at the 2013 American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), Charlotte, NC.
  • Mathner, R., Martin, C.L.L. & Allen, J. (2011). Sports Wagering by NCAA Athletics Department Staff Members: Are we keeping our eyes on the right ball? National Association for Athletics Compliance, Orlando, FL.
  • Martin, C.L.L. (2011). Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) Training: Outcomes Assessment Piece for Troy University. North American Society for Sport Management, London, Ontario, Canada.

State & Local Presentations

  • Mathner, R.P. & Martin, C.L.L. (2017). Examining the prevalence and scope of sports wagering by high school student-athletes. Invited State Presentation to Alabama Independent School Association Professional Development Day. Montgomery, Al.
  • Miller, J.J., Martin, C.L.L., Lee, K., & Gillentine, A. (2013). The Effects of Interscholastic Athletic Directors’ Religious Values and Practices of Pre-Game Prayer. Presented at the Southern Sport Management Conference, Troy, AL.
  • Martin, C.L.L. (DEC, 2012). CHHS Assessment Efforts. Presented at the Troy University Institutional Effectiveness Committee meeting, Troy, AL.
  • Bowers, A., Wolfe, B., Speed, N.M., Martin, C.L.L., & Miller, J. (2012). Feel Pressure: A Qualitative Examination of the Influences of the Female Athlete’s Body Image. Presented at the Southern Sport Management Conference, Troy, AL.
  • Bailey, W., Martin, C.L.L., Warren, I. (2012). Retention: YOU are the Key: Instructor Strategies for Retaining Students. Presented at the 2012 Troy University eColloquium hosted by Troy University.
  • Bailey, W., Martin, C.L.L., Warren, I. (2012). Assessment 101. Presented at the 2012 Blackboard Symposium hosted by Troy University.
  • Bryan, T., Martin, C.L.L., Martinez, J.M. (2010). Media Bias in Sports Journalism. Presented at the 12th Annual Florida State University Sport Management Conference, Tallahassee, FL.
  • Mathner, R.P, Martin, C.L.L., Tatum, S., Chouti, D. (2010). The Effects of a Sportsmanship Education Program on the Behavior of College Intramural Participants. Alabama Parks and Recreation,
  • Martin, C.L.L., Speed, N.M., Krebs, G., Gould, T., & Blom, L. (2009) Physical Education Content Knowledge and Physical Activity Behaviors of Mississippi High School Students. Mississippi Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance, Biloxi, MS.
  • Speed, N., Krebs, G., Martin, C.L.L., & McDaniel, L. (2008) Examining the Impacts of a Random Drug-Testing Program in South Mississippi. Graduate Symposium, The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Martin, C.L.L. (2007) Physical Education Content Knowledge and Physical Activity Behaviors of Mississippi High School Students: Results of a Dissertation Pilot Study. College of Health, The University of Southern Mississippi.

State & Local Invited Presentation

  • Martin, C.L.L. & Martin, T.D. (2010). Flexibility Exercise and the Childcare Provider. Sensational Saturday Child Care Conference, Montgomery, AL.