J. Michael Denton

J. Michael Denton serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership, Counseling, Adult, Career and Higher Education within the College of Education at the University of South Florida. His research critically examines college student embodiment through the lens of cultural, societal, and institutional regulation of student bodies, with focused attention on able-bodiedness, illness/disease (particularly HIV/AIDS), heteronormativity, and binary gender oppression in higher education contexts.

Dr. Denton's academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. from Miami University (2014)
• M.S. from Mississippi State University (1995)
• B.A. from Mississippi State University (1992)

His scholarly work employs critical and poststructural narrative methodologies alongside arts-based research approaches to investigate lived experiences of marginalized student populations. Primary research emphases include HIV-positive gay college men, transgender collegians, and students managing chronic illnesses, generating significant contributions at the intersection of queer theory, disability studies, and gender scholarship within higher education. This interdisciplinary focus challenges normative frameworks while advancing inclusive student affairs practices.

Analysis of his publication record (2017-2020) reveals consistent thematic progression toward applying queer theoretical frameworks to practical student retention challenges and campus housing policies, with increasing methodological sophistication in visual and narrative techniques. His work demonstrates growing influence in addressing intersectional identities through critical qualitative approaches that center embodied student experiences.

Dr. Denton's scholarly impact has been recognized through prestigious awards:

• SEAHO Research and Information Grant (2009)
• ACPA Standing Committee on Men and Masculinities Outstanding Emerging Research Award (2014)
• Miami University Three Minute Thesis Competition, 2nd Place (2014)
• AERA Queer Studies SIG Dissertation of the Year Award (2015)
• ASHE Dissertation of the Year Finalist (2015)

While specific graduate student mentorship details aren't documented in available materials, Dr. Denton maintains active institutional engagement through committee service including the College of Education Diversity Committee, Faculty Policy Committee, and Qualitative Advisory Group. His committee work demonstrates commitment to both methodological rigor in qualitative research and substantive advancement of diversity initiatives within academic structures.

No dedicated research laboratories or specialized research teams are indicated in the provided documentation, though his methodological focus suggests collaborative work within qualitative research networks.