Professor, Recreation Sciences & Sport Management
East Carolina University
Dr. Gómez is a Professor and former Chair (2017-2023) of the Department of Recreation Sciences and Sport Management at East Carolina University. He teaches in the Recreation, Park and Sport Management Program at ECU. Dr. Gómez was a Professor at Old Dominion University with University Professor Designation for excellence in teaching. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications in research interests that include: attitudes and perceptions surrounding racial and ethnic perspectives on leisure in public recreation settings; parks and sense of community in neighborhoods; resident attitudes and perceptions towards tourism; urban proximate parks and use by nontraditional users; and dog parks as a specific type of park. Dr. Gómez is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and is a current associate editor of the Journal of Leisure Research and past associate editor of Leisure Sciences and World Leisure Journal. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administrators (AAPRA).
Dr. Gómez was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and after serving his country, he earned a BS from Salem State University in geography; an MS from Rochester Institute of Technology in hospitality and travel management; a PhD from Michigan State University in park, recreation, and tourism resources with an urban studies emphasis; and an MA in linguistics at Old Dominion University. In his spare time Dr. Gómez likes to read fantasy/science fiction novels, hike, and travel. He is fluent in English and Spanish, and conversational in Italian.