Dr. R. Douglas Manning is in his first year as Dean of Kinesiology and Athletics at Santa Ana College.

“I am elated to be in this position, as it allows me the opportunity to positively impact students in the diverse and dynamic California Community College system,” said Dr. Manning.  “I am looking forward to being an advocate for our students, instructors, and coaches in the Division of Kinesiology and Athletics, as we seek to meet our mission: ‘to prepare students for degree attainment, transfer, or employment.’”

Manning made his way to SAC after three-years as an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg, MS.  While at USM, he taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and was involved with curriculum development, practicum supervision, and the CCCE Service-Learning Fellowship.  A nominee for the Junior Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award in 2016, Manning was awarded a grant aimed at increasing the number of Sport Management students able to participate in unpaid internships through the USM Pathway Grant Program.

Prior to his time at USM, he completed his Ph.D. in Sport Administration at the University of New Mexico, where he also worked in the in the Department of Health, Exercise & Sports Sciences, and with the NCAA Division-1, Lobo Volleyball program.

Dr. Manning’s primary academic interest combines sport law and risk management, as it relates to projectiles leaving the field of play in baseball.  Recent collaborative endeavors have examined the limited duty rule, as well secondary interests related to eSports, Major League Soccer, and the millennial generation. His research has been presented at various National/International conferences and has been published in the following refereed journals: Sport Management Education Journal; Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education; Case Studies in Sport Management; Journal of Contemporary Athletics; and QUEST. 

Manning holds a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico (Sport Administration) as well as a master’s degree (Sport Management) and a bachelor’s degree (Education) from Florida State University. He currently resides in Gardena, CA, along with his wife (Kristy), daughter (Mariana – 4), and son (Russell – 2).