EDUCATION
| Degree | Area of Study | University |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Adapted Sport Pedagogy | Florida State University |
| M.A. | Kinesiology | University of Georgia |
| B.A. | Theology | Ambassador University |
AWARDS & HONORS
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Rising Tide Ambassador |
| 2017 | Blackmon-Moody Outstanding Professor Award |
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Adapted Sport
High Performance Paralympic Sports
Qualitative Research in Adapted & Paralympic Sport
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Paralympic Sport
Media representations of disability in sport
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Research Projects and Scholarly Work
Dr. Hardin has presented extensively at national and international conferences, including work on inclusion, multicultural education, media portrayals of disability, and expert teaching practices.
Publications and Presentations
- Hardin, B., & Hardin M. (2004). Distorted pictures: Images of disability in physical education textbooks. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly. Volume 21, Issue 4.
- Hardin, B., Stran, M., & Jones, D. (2003). Teaching students in wheelchairs how to shoot a basketball. Teaching Elementary Physical Education, Volume 14, Issue 5.
- Hardin, B., & Hardin M. (2003). Conformity and conflict: Wheelchair athletes discuss sport media.Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly. Volume 20, Issue 3.
(Complete list available in curriculum vitae)
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Director, Alabama Adapted Athletics
- Member, National Wheelchair Basketball Association
- Board Member, Visit Tuscaloosa
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Dr. Hardin’s teaching philosophy centers on inclusion, experiential learning, and reflective practice. He emphasizes preparing future sport professionals to serve diverse populations through hands on evidence-based instruction, authentic field experiences, and critical engagement with social issues in paralympic sport. His courses blend theory and application, encouraging students to develop both professional competence and ethical responsibility.
BIOGRAPHY
Brent Hardin, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at The University of Alabama and serves as Director of Alabama Adapted Athletics. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Hardin is nationally recognized for his leadership in paralympic sport.
His academic work bridges scholarship and practice, focusing on coaching education, disability studies in sport, and the development of equitable athletic opportunities for individuals with disabilities. As Director of Alabama Adapted Athletics, he has played a central role in building one of the nation’s most visible and successful collegiate adapted athletics programs.
Dr. Hardin’s teaching emphasizes experiential learning, critical reflection, and social responsibility. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses across multiple institutions, including The University of Alabama, University of Florida, and Florida State University. Through his research, teaching, and service, Dr. Hardin remains committed to advancing inclusion, access, and excellence in sport and physical activity.