Dr. James Franklin Byland is an accomplished educator, scholar, and practitioner with more than two decades of experience spanning sport administration, higher education, student affairs, and athletics. Currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Sport Administration at the University of Louisville, he has previously served in faculty roles at Kansas State University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Missouri–Kansas City. His teaching portfolio is extensive, covering undergraduate and graduate courses in sport marketing, administration, leadership, governance, ethics, and social justice, with a hallmark focus on experiential and community-engaged learning.

A historian by training, Dr. Byland’s scholarship explores the intersections of sport, race, equity, and cultural history. His Ph.D. dissertation examined African American athletes navigating civil rights–era college sports, and his published and presented work includes contributions on the Negro Leagues, Title IX and social justice in sport. He has partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to create meaningful academic and experiential connections for students.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Byland brings extensive leadership and administrative experience, including serving as Assistant Director of Recreational Facilities and Operations at UMKC, Athletic Director at Columbus East High School and Director of Basketball Operations at UMKC. He has also held roles within Division I athletics, student affairs, and community engagement.

Exploration of social and cultural issues in sport and higher education, with a focus on fostering respect, understanding, and opportunity across different backgrounds and perspectives. Dr. Byland draws on leadership and historical frameworks to help students make sense of current issues and connect meaningfully with the broader community through experiential learning.