Education:
Northcentral University — December 2022 Graduate
Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Sport & Athletic Management
– 4.0 GPA
– Dissertation: “The Complex Identities of International Student-Athletes in the NCAA: An Exploratory Case Study”
Southern Utah University — April 2016 Graduate
Master of Arts in Professional Communications
– 4.0 GPA
– Thesis: “Setting a Super Agenda: A Rhetorical Analysis of Mythical Framing in ESPN.com’s Coverage of the NBA Finals”
Brigham Young University-Idaho — December 2014 Graduate
Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Communication Studies
-3.8 GPA
– Fall 2014 Gordon B. Hinckley Communicator Award Recipient (Top graduating communication student)
Teaching Experience:
Assistant Professor of Communication, Sports Management — Southern Utah University — Cedar City, UT
May 2022-Current
– Upon successful completion of my Ph.D., I was appointed to be the new Professor of Sport Communication.
– Serve as program director for Sports Media Certificate.
– Develop curriculum and teach the following courses:
— COMM 1130: Writing for Communication
— COMM 1707: Introduction to Sports Communication
— COMM 2507: Writing & Reporting for Sports Media
— COMM 2707: Sports Broadcasting
— COMM 3460: Multimedia Management
— COMM 3507: Sports Public Relations
— COMM 3707: Sports Branding & Advertising
— COMM 3717: Issues & Ethics in Sports
— COMM 4240: Technical Writing
— COMM 4260: Media Law & Ethics
— COMM 4507: Sports Communication Administration
— COMM 4707: Sport Management & Communication
— COMM 6240: Sport Communication
— UNIV 1057: College Success for Student-Athletes
– Teach other courses in the communication undergraduate and graduate programs as needed.
– Oversee the sports management emphasis for the SUU Department of Communication.
– Serve as the writing coach for the university journalism outlets.
– Chair theses in sports management, media, and educational topics.
– Serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Utah Journal of Communication.
Lecturer of Communication, Journalism — Southern Utah University — Cedar City, UT
May 2016-April 2022
– Develop curriculum for and teach the following courses:
— COMM 1010: Intro to Communication & Public Speaking
— COMM 1130: Writing for a Career in Communications
— COMM 1310: Thinking & Listening Critically
— COMM 2010: Mass Media & Society
— COMM 2110: Interpersonal Communications
— COMM 2507: Writing & Reporting for Sports Media
— COMM 3140: Advanced Media Writing
— COMM 3460 Media Management
— COMM 3502: Mews Writing Practicum
— COMM 4140: Advanced Journalism Practices
— COMM 4240: Technical Writing
— COMM 4260 Media Law & Ethics
— COMM 4507 Sports Administration & Management
— COMM 4600 Special Topics in Communication Studies
— UNIV 1057: College Success for Student-Athletes
– Serve on Recruiting & Retention Committee, Curriculum Development Committee, and Student-Athlete Wellness Committee.
– Chair thesis capstones, as requested.
Course & Curriculum Design — SUU Communication Department — Cedar City, UT
May 2015-Current
– Worked alongside Dr. Arthur Challis to create the Sports Communication Certificate for the SUU Department of Communications.
– Designed curriculum for undergraduate certificate, selecting existing courses that would contribute and which courses would be created.
– Serve as course director for COMM 2110 and COMM 4240.
Adjunct Faculty — SUU Department of Communications — Cedar City, UT
May 2015-Current
– Taught one section COMM 2110 Interpersonal Communications course of 45 students every semester.
– Developed my own course, including: course schedule, syllabi, and learning objectives.
Communications Department TA — BYU-Idaho — Rexburg, ID
January 2013-December 2014
– Graded quizzes and papers for COMM 280 Research Fundamentals class of 35 students.
– When needed, taught COMM 240 Newsgathering Principals & Practices classes of 20-30 students.
– Conducted analytical research for BYU-Idaho Communications Department.
Reading/Writing Tutor — BYU-Idaho — Rexburg, ID
January 2011-July 2013
– Taught proper grammar, punctuation, writing, and study skills.
– Worked primarily with Brazilian students and students with learning disabilities.
– Edited over 100 student essays.
Professional Experience:
Editor-in-Chief — The Utah Journal of Communication — Remote
August 2022-Current
– Organize all aspects of the UJOC semi-annual publication.
– Created logo, magazine layout, and website.
– Oversee and participate in the double-blind peer review process to ensure journal integrity.
– Work with publishers and academic databases to distribute journal and its corresponding articles.
Operations Manager — The University Journal & SUUNews.net — Cedar City, UT
August 2017-May 2022
– Serve as faculty adviser for the SUU student publication, the University Journal, and its corresponding website, SUUNews.net.
– Manage social media and online presence for all branches of student media.
– Created and developed SUUNews.net website and the SUU News Podcast Network, which collectively garner over 3,000 hits a day.
– Started SUU International page on SUUNews.net, where international students can read, translate, and submit news stories.
– Started the official Southern Utah branch of the Society of Professional Journalists (SUU & Dixie State).
Assistant Director of Strategic Communications — SUU Athletic Department — Cedar City, UT
December 2014-May 2016
– Assist with securing funds for the athletic department via donor fundraising and game sponsorship.
– Utilize Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Drive to carry out marketing and promotional plans.
– Assists in multiple departments, including media relations, marketing, sponsorships, and fundraising.
– Member of the Student-Athlete Wellness Committee.
– Assists with management of Thunderbird Club and ThunkderKids events, including the Prime on the Sidelines, Ladies Luncheon, Basketball Bash, and Watermelon Bust.
– Coordinates weekly Coaches Luncheons.
– Write weekly newsletter, press releases, and copy edit material for suutbirds.com website.
Sports Broadcasting — Cheery Creek Radio & Thunder 91.1 FM — Cedar City, UT
January 2015-Current
– Color commentary alongside play-by-play announcer.
– Provide expert analysis of high school basketball games.
Research & Creative Works Conference Manager — BYU-Idaho — Rexburg, ID
January 2013-December 2014
– Oversee a team of 12 students in charge of organizing the BYU-Idaho Research & Creative Works Conference.
– In charge of daily operations and ensuring conference success each semester.
– Conduct and coordinate meetings with team, faculty advisors, and college deans.
– During my time as conference manager, the conference grew over 25%.
Journalist/Reporter — BYU-Idaho Instructional Development — Rexburg, ID
September 2011-December 2013
– Solicited and scheduled faculty-relevant stories for BYU-I faculty webpage.
– Conducted interviews in person, over the phone, and through email.
– Wrote up to three articles a week informing faculty of campus and administration changes.
Copy Editor — Perspective Magazine — Rexburg, ID
August 2011-December 2013
– Edited articles for BYU-Idaho faculty publication that is published three times a year.
– Identified compelling pull-quotes and article summaries.
– Created the official Perspective Magazine Style Guide, which is still being used today.
Syndicated Columnist — Freelance — Remote
April 2010-December 2014
– Featured columnist for BleacherReport.com, covering the Chicago Bulls, NCAA Basketball, and the NBA Draft.
– Wrote sports articles on a freelance contract for online entities such as Deseret Digital Media, SF Gate, ESPN.com, Fansided.com.
– Write sports articles for regional newspapers including: The Standard Journal, The Post Register, Iron County Today, The Statesman Journal.
– Also covered bi-weekly city council and local government meetings.
Volunteer/Internship Experience-
Graduate Ambassador – SUU School of Graduate & Continuing Studies
December 2014-April 2016
– Visit regional universities to recruit and educate potential graduate students.
– Recruit and educate potential graduate students about online programs at local businesses.
Conference Intern – Mormon Media Symposium
January 2014-December 2014
– Selected over 45 other applicants to be the sole intern for the Mormon Media Symposium.
– Reported to faculty advisors at BYU and BYU-Idaho weekly.
Campaign Manager – Campaign to Elect Jordan Busby for City Council
2011 Elections
– Successfully managed a political campaign to help get Jordan Busby elected for city council.
– Designed promotional materials that were distributed to the public.
– Accounted for every expenditure and donation. Submitted weekly financial reports for the City of Rexburg.
Missionary – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Portugal
December 2007-December 2009
– Served in leadership positions over other missionaries for more than 16 months.
– Learned fluent Portuguese.
Publications & Conferences
Publications-
Coombs, H. V., & Bagley, B. H. (2025). Perceptions of institutional inequities at FBS programs. Journal of Emerging Sports Studies, 11(1).
Coombs, H., & Bagley, B. (2024). Silent signals: Enhancing communication skills through nonverbal cues GIFT. Kentucky Journal of Communication, 42(2), 125–133.
Bagley, B., & Coombs, H. (2024). Crisis communication simulation: Navigating organizational response in real-time GIFT. Carolinas Communication Annual, 40, 92–97.
Coombs, H. V., & Bagley, B. H. (2024). Transcending controversy: the Heisman Trophy Trust’s image repair strategies following OJ Simpson’s passing. Utah Journal of Communication, 2(2), 124-128. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13905363
Coombs, H. (2024). Communication & administration of intercollegiate athletics. KDP.
Bagley, B., & Coombs, H. (2024). FOMO. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 384–385). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch222
Bagley, B., & Coombs, H. (2024). Health communication. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 448–449). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch262
Coombs, H. (2024). Cartel. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 130–131). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch77
Coombs, H., & Bagley, B. (2024). Salary caps. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 825–826). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch480
Coombs, H., & Bagley, B. (2024). Social identity complexity. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 879–880). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch516
Coombs, H., & Bagley, B. (2024). Peer review. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 711–713). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch413
Coombs, H., & Bagley, B. (2024). Ownership. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 690–692). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch402
Coombs, H., & Bagley, B. (2024). Communication accommodation. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 173–174). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch100
Coombs, H., & Barton, M. H. (2024). Paralipsis. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 696–698). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch405
Coombs, H., & Coombs, S. (2024). International student-athletes. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 508–510). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch297
Coombs, H., & Hubka, O. (2024). Ethnography. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 325–327). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch191
Coombs, H., & McCulley, R. (2024). Baseball management. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 80–82). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch47
Coombs, H., & Pradhan, S. (2024). BIRGing. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 98–100). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch58
Coombs, H., & Walker, K. (2024). Privilege. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 745–748). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch436
Harris, A., & Coombs, H. (2024). Peer mentoring. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 710–711). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch412
Kershisnik, B., & Coombs, H. (2024). Professional wrestling management. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 753–755). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch440
Kershisnik, B., & Coombs, H. (2024). Kayfabe. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 528–530). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch308
Pradhan, S., & Coombs, H. (2024). CORFing. In P. M. Pedersen (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sport management (pp. 212–213). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317189.ch123
Coombs, H. V., Bagley, B. H., Barnhart, R., & Graudins, M. (2023). Sociolinguistic accommodation strategies used by international student-athletes. Journal Comunicação Pública, 18(35).
Bagley, B. H., & Coombs, H. V. (2023). The Gobert report: How Rudy’s reputational crisis followed him to Minneapolis. Utah Journal of Communication, 1(2), 78-82. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10058771
Hubka, O., & Coombs, H. V. (2023). The Culture of American Collegiate Athletics: An Ethnographic Study from a European Perspective. Southern Utah University. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10366382/
Bagley, B., & Fourney, S. Coombs, H. (2023). The Spiral of Silence in the National basketball Association, Journal of Sports Media, Volume 17, Number 2. https://doi.org/10.1353/jsm.2022.a899586/.
Barton, M. H., & Coombs, H. V. (2023). Concise guide for preparing GIFT articles. Utah Journal of Communication, 0(2), 6-10. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7702244.
Coombs, H. V., & Bagley, B. (2023). A Streamlined Peer Review Process. Utah Journal of Communication, 0(2), 1-4. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7592199.
Coombs, H. V. (2022). The Complex Identities of International Student-Athletes Competing in the NCAA: An Exploratory Qualitative Case Study (Order No. 30243656). Available from Dissertations & Theses @ Northcentral University; ProQuest One Academic. (2768262236). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.28354.04802/.
Bagley, B., Coombs, H., & Mikesell, A.C. (2022). Careers, demographics, and internet availability: Predictors of social media addiction. Utah Journal of Communication, 0(1), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7134106
Coombs, H. (2022). Mythical Framing Messages in ESPN.com’s Coverage of the NBA Finals Over 10 Years. Utah Journal of Communication, 0(1), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7134102
Coombs, H. (2022). Case Study Research: Single or Multiple? [White paper]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7106698
Coombs, H. & Bagley, B. (2021). Salary caps. In Encyclopedia of Sport Management (pp. 412-413). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Coombs, H. (2021). An Introduction to Title IX and its Application to Intercollegiate Athletics. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7113567
Coombs, H. (2016). Setting a Super Agenda: A Rhetorical Analysis of Mythical Framing Messages in ESPN.com’s Coverage of the NBA Finals [Southern Utah University]. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7108983
Conference Presentations-
2024 National Communication Association
Coombs, H. V., & Bagley, B. H. (2024). Institutional Athletic Privilege: Perceptions of institutional inequities at low and mid-major colleges. 2024 NCA National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana.
2023 National Communication Association
Coombs, H. V., Bagley, B. H., Barnhart, R. (2023, November 16) Sociolinguistic Strategies of International Student-Athletes. 2023 NCA National Convention, Baltimore, Maryland.
2023 Western States Communication Association
Bagley, B. & Coombs, H. (2023, February 17) Collective digital monuments on TikTok: A qualitative analysis of a group algorithmically close in mourning. 2023 Western States Communication Association Annual Conference, Phoenix, Arizona.
2022 National Communication Association
Bagley, B., & Coombs, H. (2022, November 17) The Spiral of Silence in the National basketball Association. 2022 NCA National Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana.
2021 Utah Rural Health Scholars Symposium
Coombs, H. (2021, November 19). Combating the stigma surrounding mental illness. 2021 URHS Symposium, St. George, Utah.
2020 National Communication Association, Online/Remote
Bagley, B., Coombs, H., Mikesell, A.C. (2020, November) What did I miss? #FOMO & Predictors of Social Media Addiction. 2020 NCA National Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana.
2019 Utah State Parks Service, Cedar City, UT
Coombs, H. (2019, April 16). Critical Thinking in the Field. 2019 Utah State Parks Service Training, Cedar City, Utah.
2017 PCA/ACA National Conference, San Diego, CA
Coombs, H. (2017, April 3). Analyzing ESPN’s Evolving Coverage of the NBA in the Era of Super Heroes and Star Wars. PCA/ACA Conference, San Diego, California.
2016 PCA/ACA Conference, Seattle, WA
Coombs, H., Dearman, A., & Ronquillo, E. (2016, March 24). Making Myths of Airplane Crashes: How News Media Frame Airplane Crashes. PCA/ACA Conference, Seattle, Washington, USA. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7106723
2015 SWPADA Conference, Albuquerque, NM
Carr, M., & Coombs, H. (2015, February 13). The Ethos of Film Trailers Quantified. 36th Annual SWPACA Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7108964
2014 Mormon Media Studies Conference
Coombs, H. & Williams, L. (2014, October 21). Proselytizing in the 21st Century: How Christian Denominations in the US Present Themselves Online. 2014 MMS Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. https://www.academia.edu/12949100/The_Gospel_in_the_21st_Century_How_Leading_Christian_Denominations_in_the_US_Present_Themselves_in_an_Online_Setting
Capstone & Theses Chair-
McKenzie, L. (2024). Analyzing the public response of Blaire Flemming and San Jose State University Volleyball. Southern Utah University.
Rockwood, P. (2024). Framing the second apron. A rhetorical analysis of media coverage in the NBA. Southern Utah University.
Jessen, W. (2024). Tim Ballard and His Use of Parasocial Interactions. Southern Utah University.
Roundy, S. (2024). Generic Criticism of Antichrist Rhetoric in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Southern Utah University.
Francis, T. (2024). Ushering In a New Era: A Rhetorical Analysis of the Media Coverage of Southern Utah’s Arrival in the Western Athletic Conference. Southern Utah University.
Scovill, P. (2024). “A Second Chance Fastball”: Trevor Bauer’s Image Repair to Baseball. Southern Utah University.
Greenhalgh, T. (2023). MLB Pitch Clock: A Rhetorical Analysis on Fans Reactions in a Public Sphere Setting. Southern Utah University.
Riley, S. (2023). Social media plan for SUU Gymnastics program. Southern Utah University.
Hubka, O. (2023). The Culture of American Collegiate Athletics: An Ethnographic Study from a European Perspective. University of West Bohemia.
Martin, C. (2023). Coach Behavior and Student-Athlete Self-Perception. Southern Utah University.
Carroll, H. (2022). Leading To Seeking: A Guide to Understanding Religious Instruction. Southern Utah University.
Blumenthal, C. J. (2020). Development of a Social Media Plan for the University Journal and SUUNews.net. Southern Utah University.
Bartlett, N. S. (2018). Analyzing the Southern Utah University Athletic Department Junior Thunderbirds Program Through Uses and Gratifications Theory. Southern Utah University.
Hayden Coombs 