Justin Kozubal

Education Credentials

• Ph.D., Sport Management, Troy University
• M.S., Sport Administration, Ohio University
• B.S., Speech Communication, Ball State University

Courses Taught

• SLM 636 Sport Communication and PR
• SLM 572 Sport Administration
• LM 472 Sport Administration

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is guided by three core principles: Detail, Access, and Feedback. These elements are deeply aligned with my commitment to student-centered mentorship, inclusive teaching, and professional preparation through project-based and experiential learning.

Detail

Structure and clarity are fundamental to my teaching. I believe students perform best when expectations are transparent and consistent. From the first day of class, I review the syllabus in depth—discussing learning outcomes, policies, grading criteria, and assignment expectations. My Canvas courses are organized to ensure intuitive navigation, with clearly posted deadlines, templates, and instructions. Each assignment includes APA formatting guidelines, evaluation rubrics, and links to supplemental resources. I begin each class by outlining the day’s objectives and conclude with reminders and check-ins on upcoming tasks. This level of detail provides students with a framework that reflects real-world professionalism and helps reduce cognitive barriers to learning.

Access

I strive to foster an inclusive learning environment where all students—regardless of race, class, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability—feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. Access to course content, communication, and mentorship are priorities. I maintain availability through multiple channels: email, office hours, phone, and digital platforms. I connect students with key campus resources (ADA services, counseling, career development) and ensure that those facing personal challenges have a safe and supportive environment in which to seek guidance. My courses integrate guest speakers, site visits, and immersive industry experiences that provide additional access to professional networks and practical knowledge beyond the classroom.

Feedback

Learning is a collaborative process, and I view feedback as a shared dialogue focused on growth and understanding. I regularly assess how well students are grasping material and applying it to real-world contexts. Through detailed assignment feedback, one-on-one meetings, and classroom discussions, I help students evaluate their performance, identify areas for improvement, and apply constructive changes. I also encourage peer-to-peer feedback during group work and presentations, promoting accountability and reflective learning. My assessment methods—exams, case studies, group projects, and presentations—are designed to promote critical thinking, content retention, and career skill development.

Conclusion

My teaching and leadership are grounded in project-based and experiential learning, with a strong focus on professional development and career placement. This approach fosters industry readiness, practical competence, and inclusive engagement for students entering the dynamic sport marketplace. Students engage in simulations, live-client consulting projects, case studies, and presentations that connect classroom theory to the business realities of sport. I balance lecture with active learning (approximately 70% applied), encouraging discussion, collaboration, and public speaking as core components of my pedagogy. Ultimately, my goal is to challenge students intellectually while offering the support and structure they need to reach their full potential. I adapt my teaching style to meet the evolving needs of each course, always centering student motivation, real-world relevance, and academic rigor. By emphasizing detail, access, and feedback—within an inclusive and applied learning framework—I aim to prepare students for both academic success and professional excellence in the sport business industry.

Research Interests

My research explores safety as a critical barrier to fan satisfaction and attendance, examining the intersection of fan behavior, legal frameworks, and risk management within sport consumption. Traditionally, fan safety has been analyzed through legal lenses, focusing on lawsuits, liability, and risk mitigation. While essential, these frameworks often overlook how safety concerns broadly impact fan behavior and participation. By integrating perspectives from law, sport management, and consumer behavior, my research reframes safety as a multifaceted constraint influencing attendance and satisfaction.

A significant gap in research is the limited focus on safety as an inhibitor of participation. To address this, I developed the Organizational Constraints Safety Model, identifying variables that influence fans’ perceptions of safety. This model examines how perceived risks, venue security, and policies predict fan engagement, while offering an interdisciplinary approach that combines legal theory, organizational behavior, and marketing.

Motivated by the belief that questions remain about the role of safety in fan engagement, my work contributes insights into how safety issues, beyond their legal implications, affect attendance and satisfaction. By bridging law, marketing, and organizational behavior, I provide actionable guidance for sport marketers, venue operators, and legal professionals. My research aims to enhance fan engagement by addressing safety concerns and reframing safety as both a legal and marketing imperative.

Professional Organizations

• Commission on Sport Management Accreditation
• Sport and Recreation Law Association
• North American Society for Sport Management
• Sport Marketing Association

Awards and Honors

• Promotion with tenure, Capital University, 2025
• Faculty of the Year, Capital University Athletics, 2025
• George Moor Travel Stipend Award, 2023/24
• George Moor Summer Scholarship Stipend Award, 2022
• COSMA Chi Sigma Mu Honor Society Induction, 2020
• Outstanding Graduate Student Scholarship, Ohio University College of Business, 2017
• Marketing Excellence Award, Scotts Miracle-Gro, 2017
• Queens Trophy, Tournament of Roses, Miracle-Gro Campaign Lead, 2017
• Governor’s Trophy, Tournament of Roses, Miracle-Gro Campaign Lead, 2016
• Skyline Award, Best Consumer Activation, PR Association of America, 2016
• Isabella Coleman Award, Tournament of Roses, Miracle-Gro Campaign Lead, 2015
• Marketing Excellence Award, Scotts Miracle-Gro, 2015
• Nomination, Runner-Up, Executive of the Year, MiLB/California League, 2010

Select Publications

Editor-Reviewed Sport Law and Governance Publications

• Kozubal, J. B., & Carroll, M. S. (2025). San Jose State University Volleyball Controversy: Legal Examination of Transgender Athlete Participation. Sport Litigation Alert. Hackney Publications, 24(4) 15-18.
• Kozubal, J.B., Walsh, D. W., & Odio, M. A. (2021). Sport Marketing. In Governance in Sports: Analysis and Application. Tiell, B. Human Kinetics Publishers.
• Kozubal, J. B., & Carroll, M. S. (2020). Former Penn State University director of athletic medicine files civil action lawsuit for retaliation in Dauphin County Court. Sport Litigation Alert,17(1), (online).
• Kozubal, J. B., & Carroll, M. S. (2019). Fan files defamation lawsuit against Cleveland Browns over alleged misidentification by team in beer throwing incident. Sport Litigation Alert, 16(24), (online).
• Kozubal, J. B., & Carroll, M. S. (2019). Eleven black football players file Fourteenth Amendment civil rights complaint against Maricopa County Community College District in federal court over its decision to end football program. Sport Litigation Alert, 16(4), (online).
• Kozubal, J. B., & Carroll, M. S. (2018). Judge denies motion to dismiss by high school district in first amendment bullying case of high school football player. Sport Litigation Alert, 15(22), (online).

Conference Presentations and Invited Talks

• Kozubal, J.B. (June 2024). An examination of organizational safety constraints as a barrier to attendance. Presented at Event Management Annual Conference, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.
• Kozubal, J.B. (November 2023). Premises liability in sport. Presented for Nichols College School of Business, Dudley, MA.
• Kozubal, J.B. (October 2023). Columbus Blue Jackets Promotional Marketing Plan: A Project Based, Experiential Learning Assignment. Sport Marketing Association Annual Conference, Tampa, Florida.
• Kozubal, J.B. (June 1, 2021). Managing risk in sport. Presented for Ohio University’s Professional Masters of Sport Administration Sport Law class, Athens, Ohio.
• Kozubal, J.B. (November 2020). Premises liability issues and best practices in sport. Presented for Northwood University’s ESM 4040 Legal Aspects of Sport class, Midland, Michigan.
• Kozubal, J.B. (October 2018). The sponsorship buyer’s perspective. Presented for Ohio University’s 6650 sport management class, Athens, Ohio.
• Kozubal, J.B. (October 2017). The sponsorship buyer’s perspective. Presented for Ohio University’s 6650 sport management class, Athens, Ohio.
• Kozubal, J.B. (April 2016). Sponsorship activation best practices. Presented for Ohio University's sport management undergraduate class, Athens, Ohio.
• Kozubal, J.B. (October 2016). Intellectual property rights in sport. Presented for Ohio Dominican University’s SPM 660 sport management graduate program, Columbus, Ohio.
• Kozubal, J.B. (September 2016). Creating an effective Rose Parade PR campaign and activation. Presented for the Rose Bowl Sponsor Summit, Pasadena, California.

Working Research Projects and Manuscripts

• Kozubal, J.B. (2025) Promotional Marketing Plan: A Project Based Learning Assignment with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• Kozubal, J.B. (2024) Field rushing: Is post-game celebration participation a factor of the college fan experience?
• Kozubal, J.B. (2024) Team identity as a moderating factor of feelings of safety at professional baseball games.
• Kozubal, J.B. (2024) Group differences and organizational safety constraints as a barrier to attendance at professional baseball games.