Jedediah E. Blanton

Jedediah E. Blanton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. He serves as the Director of the PASS Research Team in the Applied Sport Psychology Laboratory and teaches courses such as Introduction to Sport Psychology, Exercise Psychology, and Psychosocial Aspects of Youth Sport.

• PhD in Kinesiology (Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity), Michigan State University
• MS in Kinesiology (Sport Psychology), Georgia Southern University
• BA in Sports Administration, Fort Lewis College

His research focuses on education-based high school sports, exploring how athletics can foster leadership and life skills. He has pioneered curriculum design and pedagogical approaches to enhance college student learning, including gamified grading systems and online leadership training programs.

Recent publications examine topics like goal-setting in course onboarding, gamification in higher education, and the role of relationship quality in athlete development. Blanton emphasizes the application of self-determination theory to teaching, aiming to cultivate intrinsic motivation in students.

• 2024 - Faculty Innovators Award, Teaching & Learning Innovation
• 2022 - Exceptional Faculty Service Award, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
• 2019 - Graduate Professor of the Year, University of Tennessee
• 2018 - George F. Brady Teaching Award, Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies

Blanton advises graduate students in kinesiology and has mentored projects related to leadership development in club soccer, team captain training, and minor league baseball leadership. His work bridges theoretical frameworks from skill acquisition and practical applications in sport settings.