John Wilson serves as Director of the Master of Education in Sport Management Program and assistant professor of Kinesiology at Howard Payne University. Where he equips students with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to succeed in the dynamic field of sport management. With six years at HPU and four years of collegiate teaching experience, he is committed to helping students understand the business of sports while encouraging them to lead with integrity and purpose.
Wilson teaches a variety of courses within the sport management program, including Introduction to Sport Management, Events and Facilities, Sport Finance, Legal Issues in Sport and Event Planning and Implementation. He enjoys introducing students to the many opportunities available in the sports industry and helping them connect classroom concepts to real-world careers.
One of the aspects of teaching Wilson values most at Howard Payne is the opportunity to integrate faith into the learning experience. He appreciates serving at a Christ-centered university where he can openly share his faith while investing in students academically, professionally and spiritually. Building relationships with students and encouraging them to pursue excellence through a biblical worldview is one of the most rewarding parts of his role.
Wilson’s passion for teaching stems from his lifelong interest in sports and the business that drives the industry. He enjoys helping students discover the many career paths available in sport management and preparing them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a constantly evolving profession. Whether discussing finance, legal issues, event operations or leadership, he seeks to equip graduates with practical knowledge and ethical decision-making skills that will serve them throughout their careers.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas, a master’s degree from Texas Tech University and a doctorate from the United States Sports University. In addition to teaching, Wilson has presented on personal leadership to local high school students and has shared research on the impact of sports and sport management on society over the past 150 years at the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) Conference.
Outside the classroom, Wilson enjoys traveling, recreation and spending time with his family. He and his wife are grateful for the blessing of raising their three children. As a member of the Methodist church, he values opportunities to grow in his faith and encourages students to pursue lives of service, leadership and Christ-centered influence both within the sports industry and beyond.
