Kenon A. Brown, Ph.D.
The University of Alabama, 2012
Director of ICIR
Co-Director, Beyond Sports Initiative
Dr. Kenon A. Brown is a professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations (A+PR) at the University of Alabama, As the director of the ICIR, Kenon is responsible for the day-to-day management of the institute to help achieve its mission and promote its efforts. He is also the co-managing director of the Beyond Sports Initiative. His research interests focus on the role of identity in sports, specifically related to athlete image and reputation management and the media consumption of international competitions. He also examines minority recruitment and retention in mass communication.
Prior to his academic appointment, Dr. Brown worked for eight years in restaurant management and marketing, while also conducting independent media training for several smaller non-profit organizations and local businesses. Kenon has published more than 70 journal articles and book chapters. He has also co-authored one book and co-edited three books. Keeping with his practitioner roots, Kenon also consults with several local and regional organizations, specifically assisting with market research and strategic planning. He has worked closely in multiple capacities with several sport and entertainment organizations, including the International Olympic Committee, Twitch, FOX Sports, NASCAR and the Country Music Association.