Blair Thomas is an academic expert in citizen engagement, public administration, public marketing, strategic management and sport/athlete protest. At the University of Oregon, he is a visiting assistant professor in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management. Blair’s research focuses on citizen engagement by examining citizen engagement through the impact that athlete protest has on citizen participation. Specifically, the work investigates the role of minority athletes as voice amplifiers and catalysts for underrepresented populations that are seeking administrative changes and increased social equity and justice through government initiatives. Recent work highlights the impact of Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, Maya Moore, the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and others on relevant government activity including policy changes, elections and more. Citizen engagement is also examined from a strategic management perspective through the utilization of non-tourism-based branding and licensing initiatives.
Contact: blairt@uoregon.edu | @MBlairThomas
Website: https://www.mblairthomas.com/