Morgan State University Professor Dr. Martha James Selected for Induction Into NAKHE 2027 Class of Fellows

National Recognition Honors Longtime Educator and Scholar for Leadership, Service and Contributions to the Kinesiology Profession

Martha James, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Education and Urban Studies (SEUS) at Morgan State University, has earned one of the highest professional honors in kinesiology with her selection to the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE) 2027 Class of Fellows. The prestigious honor recognizes James’ contributions to a field dedicated to advancing teaching, scholarship, service, and leadership in higher education. As a nonprofit professional organization, NAKHE promotes excellence in kinesiology through scholarship, mentoring, networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities, bringing together faculty, administrators, and students from across kinesiology and related disciplines to strengthen the profession and shape its future. 

The NAKHE Fellow designation recognizes acknowledged leaders in kinesiology who have made significant contributions to the field while also providing outstanding service to the association. The committee evaluates candidates on scholarly productivity, leadership in kinesiology and higher education, and sustained leadership and service to NAKHE.

“Being named a NAKHE Fellow is especially meaningful because this organization has been an integral part of my development as a scholar-leader and educator,” said Dr. James. “My career has always been grounded in the belief that movement and education can be powerful vehicles for excellence, belonging, and social change. To have that body of work recognized by colleagues in my field is both humbling and deeply affirming.”

James brings more than 30 years of experience spanning PK–12 education, school district administration, higher education, educational policy, nonprofit leadership, and research. At Morgan, she serves as Associate Professor of Sports Administration and Movement Education in the School of Education and Urban Studies. Her scholarship and professional work center on teacher professional learning, movement-based interdisciplinary learning, cultural fluency, equity-centered leadership, and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.

This fellowship is particularly significant because NAKHE’s mission centers on fostering leadership in kinesiology administration and policy related to teaching, scholarship, and service in higher education. The association describes its vision as creating an inclusive professional community whose members “nurture, mentor, and lead one another to greatness.”

“I have never viewed kinesiology as simply the study of movement,” Dr. James added. “It is the study of people—how we learn, how we lead, how we create opportunities for others, and how movement can help people experience greater agency, efficacy and joy. I am proud to join the community of NAKHE Fellows who have helped shape me and our profession.”

NAKHE will formally induct James during its 2027 Annual Conference, “Blazing New Trails: Exploring Innovative Frontiers Through Bold Perspectives,” scheduled for January 5–8, 2027, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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