CBA Spotlight: C. Keith Harrison

Associate Professor
DeVos Sport Business Management Program
Coordinator, SPB Minor

The Chicago Bulls led the NBA throughout the 1990s, but we have our own Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to lead UCF into the future. Richard Lapchick, director of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program, along with Professor William Sutton are known as the “Jordan and Pippen” in the sports business management industry. They are a dynamic duo, powerful leaders, and the reason C. Keith Harrison joined UCF.

Harrison humbly sees himself similar to Horace Grant on those great teams, complimenting the two leading scorers so to speak. He jumped at the opportunity to join them in the DeVos Sport Business Management Program. In addition, he liked the administration and environment of the UCF College of Business Administration. “Dean Keon and the rest of the CBA faculty and administration challenge you to be the best every day. I also think conducting research in the Behavioral Lab is a first-class experience,” he said.

A California native, Harrison earned his doctorate in higher and post-secondary education from the University of Southern California. Prior to joining UCF, he held faculty positions at Washington State University, University of Michigan and Arizona State University. He has extensive teaching and research experience in issues relating to leadership, and race and diversity in sport. He has created and co-produced six educational documentaries or videos and has been the author and principal investigator for the annual Black Coaches Association Hiring Report Card since 2003.

Given his vast experience, he feels the DeVos Sport Business Management Program stands above other programs. “We emphasize ethics, diversity and community service. Also, we understand how to brand these values into our curriculum, publications, and in everything we do. Both our graduate and undergraduate students are outstanding,” he said.

And what advice does he have for those students?  “Focus on learning more than earning, and continue to think outside the box. Find a mentor and always give back to your global community!” he advised.

While he works in the sports/entertainment industry, he did not name a sports figure or famous celebrity as his role model. He proudly states that his parents serve as his role models.

You can learn more about C. Keith Harrison by visiting his website.