Myron Floyd
Myron Floyd
Dr. Myron Floyd is an environmental professional and professor specializing in recreation and tourism. Growing up in a rural farming community influenced his commitment to serving others. Throughout his career, he has worked as a Park Ranger and held teaching positions at various universities. He is the Department Head and a Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University.
“It’s always good to be in a position where you can help people and give something back” - Dr. Myron Floyd, 2005
Bruton, C. M. & Floyd, M., 2014. Disparities in Built and Natural Features of Urban Parks: Comparisons by Neighborhood Level Race/Ethnicity and Income, Journal of Urban Health, 91(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-014-9893-4
Smith, J. W. & Floyd, M. F., 2013. The urban growth machine, central place theory and access to open space, City Culture and Society, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccs.2013.03.002
Sallis, J. F., Floyd, M. F., Rodriguez, D., & Saelens, B., 2012. Role of Built Environments in Physical Activity, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Disease, Circulation, 125(5). https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.969022
Floyd, M. F., Bocarro, J. N., Smith, W., et al., 2011. Park-Based Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 41(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2011.04.013
Whitt-Glover, M. C., Taylor, W. C., Floyd, M., et al., 2009. Disparities in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among US Children and Adolescents: Prevalence, Correlates, and Intervention Implications, Journal of Public Health Policy 30 Supply, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1057/jphp.2008.46
Dr. Myron Floyd was born on January 23, 1960, to Stephen and Ernestine, a farmer and a schoolteacher, in South Carolina. Growing up in a rural farming community, he developed a strong interest in the environment, feeling at home among the expansive cultivated lands. This passion led him to pursue a Recreation and Park Administration degree at Clemson University.
After working as a Park Ranger in South Carolina, he returned to school to earn a Master’s in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University. Additionally, Dr. Floyd obtained a PhD in Recreation and Resource Development from Texas A&M University.
After completing his doctorate, Dr. Floyd returned to Clemson University as a faculty member. He later joined Texas A&M University and the University of Florida's faculty. Currently, he serves as the Department Head and Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University, where he has worked since 2005. His research focuses on methodologies and theories related to recreation and leisure.
Reflecting on his career highlights, Dr. Floyd expresses his enjoyment of his work. He states that working in the environmental field is fulfilling, saying, "It's good work, helping people. It challenges you intellectually and emotionally as you work with people who are different than you" (2005). Dr. Floyd emphasizes his natural curiosity, noting that "The quest for knowledge is what motivates me." He also believes it is essential to help others, saying, "It's always good to be in a position where you can help people and give back. It's something we all need, and I like being in this position where I can influence others and help them reach their goals. In turn, I hope they'll do the same" (2005).
As Dr. Floyd progressed through the academic ranks, several individuals, including Robert Becker, Frances McGuire, Richard Conover, and James Gr, mentored him. Becker served as Dr. Floyd's master's advisor and was very influential in shaping his work by providing advice and funding for his research. Dr. Frances McGuire was an integral member of his thesis committee. Dr. Richard Conover exposed him to the politics of natural resources and outdoor recreation. James Gramman, his Ph.D. advisor, also served as a steady, positive role model. Dr. Floyd highlights that many additional people have been quick to give advice when called upon.
Dr. Floyd has also mentored several students as a faculty member. He has served on several master's and doctoral committees. He encourages and supports students to be great environmentalists through research and teaching, as well as by increasing awareness of available opportunities. Dr. Floyd also highlights that getting more individuals into the environmental field is essential, stating that it is "often overlooked, which is sad because it is filled with great opportunities."
As a minority, Dr. Floyd acknowledges that he has not always received the respect he deserves in his position. He has noticed that people can be less forgiving of minor mistakes and often very critical. Although these experiences can be discouraging, he points out that getting to know individuals frequently changes their perceptions.
Dr. Floyd emphasizes the importance of mentorship, stating that his advisors helped prepare him for challenges like these. Consequently, he reaches out to young people in the field to help them navigate similar situations. He reminds young professionals that “It is important to have someone to identify with,” highlighting the significance of seeking mentors and role models in their careers.
(UM-MELDI) Taylor, Dorceta (Ed.). 2005. The Paths We Thread: Profiles of the Careers of Minority Environmental Professionals. Minority Environmental Leadership Development Initiative, University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment.