overview

• Dr. Gomez is a Professor and former Chair (2017-2023) of the Department of Recreation Sciences at East Carolina University. He teaches in the Recreation and Park Managment Program at ECU. Dr. Gomez was a Professor at Old Dominion University with University Professor Designation for excellence in teaching. He has authored over 35 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. Gomez is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and is a past associate editor of the Journal of Leisure Research and Leisure Sciences. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administrators (AAPRA).Dr. Gomez 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. Gomez likes to read fantasy/science fiction novels, hike, and travel. He is fluent in English and Spanish, and conversational in Italian.