Natalie Welch, PhD

Professor specializing in equity in sports and Indigenous athlete advocacy, Dr. Natalie Welch joined the Marketing Department at Seattle University as an Assistant Professor in 2022. With a robust academic background, she holds a PhD in Sport Management from the University of Tennessee, where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. Further enhancing her expertise, Dr. Welch obtained an MBA and a Master of Sport Business Management from the University of Central Florida. Dr. Welch's professional journey is marked by significant industry experience, having spent over five years working with Nike and the renowned advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy. Her time in these roles provided her with invaluable insights into the intersection of sports, marketing, and business, which she now imparts to her students. A passionate advocate for Indigenous athletes, Dr. Welch is deeply committed to promoting equity in sports. Her research interests focus on the challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous athletes, aiming to create more inclusive and equitable environments within the sports industry. She actively engages with communities and organizations to support and uplift Indigenous voices in sports. At Seattle University, Dr. Welch is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation. She is known for her dynamic teaching style and her ability to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Her courses often explore the role of marketing in shaping sports culture and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Dr. Welch's contributions to academia and her advocacy work have made her a respected figure in the field of sport management. She continues to inspire her students and colleagues with her commitment to social justice and her vision for a more equitable sports landscape.