Dr. Karla Jones

Dr. Karla Faye Jones is a dynamic educator, scholar, and sport industry professional with over two decades of experience in academia and professional athletics. She oversees the Sport Management Program at Queens University of Charlotte. Dr. Jones holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Sport Management) and an Ed.D. in Sport Management and is a proud East Carolina University alumna.

Her professional experience includes nearly a decade with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats and ongoing work with the NFL Super Bowl Teammate program. Dr. Jones is also a prolific researcher and presenter, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and contributions to the Encyclopedia of Sport Management. An award-winning leader, she has held positions on boards such as the American Heart Association and Black Sports Professionals Charlotte and was honored with ECU’s Laura Marie Leary Elliott Courageous Leader Award and Top 40 Under 40 distinction. She is also a small business owner and entrepreneur.