Dr. Michael Baptiste is an accomplished educator, entrepreneur, and program director with over 30 years of experience in sports management, education, and business leadership. Throughout his distinguished career, he has combined academic excellence, entrepreneurial innovation, and strategic leadership to drive success across multiple industries. With a proven track record in curriculum development, course instruction, business development, and mentorship, Dr. Baptiste has transformed programs, businesses, and students’ careers, making a lasting impact in the fields of education, marketing, and sports management.
Currently serving as the sports management program coordinator at Florida Gulf Coast University, Dr. Baptiste integrates cutting-edge SaaS education tools to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. His curriculum development expertise ensures that students gain a real-world, hands-on education, utilizing experiential learning opportunities such as industry trips, guest speaker series, and live data analysis in sports business settings. His passion for education is also evident in his role as a faculty member and course designer at multiple institutions, including Upper Iowa University, Full Sail University, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Alabama.
A dedicated innovator, Dr. Baptiste has designed and launched dozens of courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, aligning them with industry standards such as Quality Matters certification and national benchmarking assessments. His instructional expertise spans sports administration, sports marketing, finance, research methods, and strategic business leadership, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Baptiste is a serial entrepreneur, having successfully founded, owned, and operated over a dozen small businesses. His ventures range from sports training academies and franchise ownership to patented product innovations in soccer equipment and safety gear. He holds two U.S. patents, demonstrating his creative problem-solving and forward-thinking approach to product development and market growth. Notably, he revitalized a struggling restaurant franchise, increasing monthly sales from 12,000 to 45,000+ within three years, before selling it at four times its purchase price. His ability to turn businesses around, enhance profitability, and drive sustainable growth is a testament to his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial mindset.
In addition to his leadership in academia and business, Dr. Baptiste is a dedicated advocate for youth development, mentorship, and community engagement. He has served on school boards for four years and is actively involved in sports education programs, weightlifting, and coaching youth sports. His passion for working with children extends beyond coaching—he has also authored several children’s books, aiming to inspire and educate young minds.
Dr. Baptiste’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds an Ed.D. in sports management with a minor in marketing and leadership, an MS. in sports studies, and a BS. in environmental studies. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in organizational leadership in higher education, further solidifying his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Additionally, he holds six sigma yellow belt and green belt certifications, emphasizing his expertise in process improvement and operational efficiency.
With a dynamic leadership style, deep industry expertise, and a relentless drive for excellence, Dr. Baptiste is now seeking opportunities to serve on corporate or nonprofit boards. His ability to develop strategies, drive revenue growth, optimize operations, and mentor future leaders makes him an invaluable asset to any organization looking for transformational leadership. He is particularly interested in education, sports management, and marketing-focused initiatives, where he can leverage his expertise to foster innovation, expand market reach, and enhance organizational performance.
As a thought leader, educator, and entrepreneur, Dr. Michael Baptiste is poised to make an even greater impact, helping businesses and institutions navigate challenges, embrace innovation, and achieve long-term success.
Character: Dr. Michael Baptiste is a dedicated leader with a strong work ethic, integrity, and a passion for empowering others through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
Knowledge: With over 30 years of experience in sports management, education, and business, he possesses deep expertise in curriculum development, strategic planning, and innovative problem-solving.
Strategic: He excels in turning around businesses, enhancing academic programs, and implementing forward-thinking strategies that drive growth, operational efficiency, and long-term success.
Communication: A skilled speaker, educator, and author, he effectively conveys complex concepts, inspires teams, and builds strong relationships across academia, business, and community leadership.
