Chris Urso, PhD

Dr. Chris Urso earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Miami University, Oxford, and holds a Master of Science in Sport Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Education. Since 2008, he has taught courses in Sport Leadership and Management, as well as Educational Leadership, at Miami University. His research interests focus on the social foundations of sport and society, particularly the intersection of race, social class, and gender on opportunities and experiences in sport. He is also deeply interested in transformative coaching and leadership.

Dr. Urso’s career in sports is highlighted by a rich blend of practical experience and academic insight. A lifelong athlete, he enjoys playing and watching baseball, basketball, and golf. He also played two years of collegiate baseball. These experiences laid the foundation for his enduring passion for the sport. His professional journey includes roles with the Cincinnati Reds and the United States Olympic Committee, where he contributed to marketing and alumni relations. In addition, Dr. Urso has extensive coaching experience in youth and high school baseball, where he has been instrumental in developing young athletes and fostering a love for the game.

Beyond sports, Dr. Urso has held significant educational roles, including serving as an elementary school principal and special education teacher. He also chairs Middletown Promise, where he was a driving force behind the development of the Future Center at Middletown High School, leading to increases in scholarship aid and FAFSA completion rates for high school students. Additionally, he has served as the president of the Middletown Board of Education since 2016.

Dr. Urso holds certifications as a principal and teacher in Ohio and is a member of the American Educational Research Association. In his personal life, he enjoys playing basketball and traveling with his wife, Julie, and their children, Evan and Claire.