Biography
Dr. McLeod’s research and teaching interests center around culture, the environment, social inequality, social psychology, sports/leisure/recreation, and qualitative methodology. Her dissertation research examined the distinctive leisure subculture of long-distance hiking or backpacking, specifically investigating how subcultural ideologies and practices are combined with a socially significant place to forge powerful emotional bonds among long-distance hikers and strong attachments to the Appalachian Trail. Since then, she has further explored the leisure subculture of long-distance hiking on the Pacific Crest and Arizona Trails, as well as trail angel culture and the giving and receiving of trail magic along America’s national scenic trails.
McLeod also has an interest in athletic recruiting, more specifically negative recruiting and how recruiting practices intersect with the identity of educational institutions. Her research has been published in a variety of outlets such as Ad Limina, Leisure Sciences, Gender Issues, Teaching Sociology, Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, and Review for Religious Research. When Dr. McLeod is not in the classroom, she enjoys kayaking, rock climbing, and camping/backpacking with her husband Jason.
Featured Publications
-
- McLeod, K. (2024). “Wild” Generosity: The Role of Trail Angels in Shaping Community on America’s Long-Distance Hiking Trails. AD LIMINA. Research journal of the Way of St. James and the pilgrimages, XV , 169-198. http://dx.doi.org/10.61890/adlimina/15.2024/06
- Fondren, Kristi M., and Richard Brinkman. 2019. “A Comparison of Hiking Communities on the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails.” Leisure Sciences. doi: 10.1080/01490400.2019.1597789
- Author of “Walking on the Wild Side: Long-Distance Hiking on the Appalachian Trail” with Rutgers University Press
Education Information
B.A. Psychology, Mississippi University for Women
M.A.T., Education, Mississippi University for Women
Ph.D., Sociology, Mississippi State University
Learn more about Dr. McLeod’s work in the field and with students in an interview.