Jason Bocarro

Jason Bocarro is the Owens-Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership with a Global Perspective and Director of the James Buzzard Leadership Development Program at NC State University’s College of Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, an M.A. from Dalhousie University, and a B.S. from the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on the intersection of health and inactivity, particularly the impact of the built environment, public spaces, and mega sporting events on community well-being.

Key research areas include youth development through sport, mental health strategies for student-athletes, and the legacy of mega events like the Olympics. He has led multinational projects, co-authored Legacies of Mega Events: Fact or Fairy Tales, and contributed to over 80 peer-reviewed publications. Bocarro has received prestigious awards, including the 2023 UNC Board of Governors’ Excellence in Teaching Award and the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor designation.

• Education:
• Ph.D., Texas A&M University
• M.A., Dalhousie University
• B.S., University of Birmingham
• Awards:
• 2023 UNC Board of Governors Award
• Outstanding Engagement Award (2021)
• NC State Alumni Distinguished Professor (2014/15)
• Grants & Projects:
• "Equitable Approaches to Preventing Obesity" ($3.8M, CDC)
• "EventRights: Addressing Inequality in Mega Events" (€791K, EU)
• "Park Rx: Prescribing Parks for Health" (CDC-funded)

His work emphasizes global leadership, community partnerships, and policy-driven health promotion. Current initiatives include mental health interventions for athletes and shared-use policies to enhance physical activity access in underserved communities.