Faculty
Meghan HalbrookDirector of Master's Degree program in Coaching and Sport Leadership, Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Studies
BA, University of Missouri-St. Louis; MS, Ball State University; MA, PhD, West Virginia University
I believe that success in the classroom is measured in more ways than just test scores. Success includes developing connections, leadership skills, self-efficacy, and internal motivation.
I also believe that helping students deal with adversity through application of sport and exercise psychology concepts, such as resilience skills, conflict resolution, and communication can be the most rewarding type of success as an educator. Therefore, I strive to create a very positive, supportive, and interactive environment in the classroom.
My classes will commonly participate in debates and case studies which incorporate current events, research, educated opinions, and course material.
Well-rounded students become thoughtful and purposeful people and professionals, which impacts their connection to others in their desired field, as well as the continued, positive growth of the Sport and Exercise Studies Program at Randolph College.
These beliefs and procedures have been developed through years of teaching, consulting, and research. Much like I try to do in the classroom with all students, my research centers around creating an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes in sport.
Despite the suggestion that several important developments have occurred over the past 15 years for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, professional development opportunities for coaches still rarely include information about LGBTQ+ athletes and homophobia in the sport environment.
Diversity education, specifically with regard to LGBTQ+ athletes, teaches the use of inclusive language, development of team policies, and appropriate response strategies to deal with concerns, incidents, or biases on the court or field.
In the future, I hope to develop training courses and materials for youth coaches that can be directed at increasing understanding and acceptance, and decrease incidences of bullying and harassment within a team setting.
When class is not in session, I enjoy making casual games and activities way more competitive than they were intended and spending time with family, friends, and my two dogs, Reese and Kai.
Brooke JohnsonAssistant Director, Master of Arts in Coaching and Sport Leadership Program
BA, Peace College; MA, East Carolina University
Brooke Johnson brings more than 15 years of experience in sports management, coaching, and education.
She most recently served as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Sport Management at St. Andrews University in North Carolina. While at St. Andrews, Brooke also led the Student Services Committee and served as the university’s Faculty Athletic Representative, helping connect academics and athletics.
Her career includes time as an athletic administrator, head coach at both the high school and college level, and physical education instructor.
Brooke earned her master’s degree in exercise and sport science from East Carolina University and is honored to be a member of both the Peace College and Arendell Parrott Academy Athletics Halls of Fame.
Julio RodriguezAssociate Professor of American Culture Studies
BA, East Stroudsburg University; MA, PhD, Bowling Green University
Professor Rodriguez has published articles on baseball, basketball, boxing, and the performance of masculinity in sports films.
He is currently working on a book-length project examining the role of neo-conservative foreign policy in action-adventure films released during George W. Bush’s presidency.
In the summers he tirelessly, but fruitlessly, tries to break 80 on the golf course, quitting the game on a regular basis. The winter brings snowboarding and the to-date successful attempt not to break anything. Sports have always been central to his work and leisure. They instruct and inform his personal and professional search for a comprehensive understanding of the male gender.
Carolyn SarsonAssociate Professor of Sport and Exercise Studies
BA, Pennsylvania State University; MA, University of Virginia
I have a passion for teaching the exercise sciences! What a great experience to be able to do what I love on a daily basis.
Having recently developed a new major in sport and exercise studies, I transitioned from my long wonderful career as head athletic trainer for the college to continuing to mentor students through teaching and advising responsibilities. Can you think of any other dream job?
My background is in health and physical education, athletic training, and exercise physiology; therefore, I bring a wide range of discipline knowledge in mentoring our students. I hope they draw from my excitement and enthusiasm and pay it forward giving back their knowledge to others.
Observing students make connections between clinical/classroom knowledge and lab experiences that results in their “light bulb” moments in how to enhancement exercise or sport performance is the most rewarding experience.
My favorite classes to teach are nutrition, exercise physiology, evaluation of athletic injuries, and exercise and health assessment.
I utilize a hands-on applied approach in many of my classes, as I prefer to keep myself actively engaged with students.
I am an outdoor enthusiast! In my free time, you find me camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, or walking my dogs. When the outdoor fun is completed, I often retreat to a hammock or easy chair with a good book.
Carly PearceAdjunct Instructor, Master of Arts in Coaching and Sport Leadership Program
BA, MS, Northeastern State University; EdD, Gardner-Webb University
Carly Pearce is an experienced coach, educator, and former collegiate athlete with a strong background in soccer.
Originally from Brighton, England, Pearce served as head coach of the women’s soccer program at Averett University, where she led the team to its first-ever USA South Conference titles and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
With over a decade of coaching experience, she has earned several accolades, including USA South Coach of the Year and United Soccer Coaches Regional Coach of the Year.
Pearce has been teaching in the MA Coaching and Sport Leadership program at Randolph College since 2022, sharing her expertise in coaching, leadership, and professional development.
She currently coaches youth sports in Arizona and is passionate about helping students develop as leaders in a variety of athletic settings.