Southern Miss Business Student, Professor Publish Tourism Research Paper

Wed, 12/06/2023 - 04:25pm | By: Dena Temple

Ka’Lon Duncanson, a senior marketing student in the School of Leadership at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and a Keystone Honors scholar, recently co-authored a paper on the tourism industry with Dr. Bradley Winton, assistant professor of management.

The paper, “The Future of Tourism Diving: Assessments of Perceived Value and Satisfaction on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” was accepted for publication in the research journal Tourism in Marine Environments.

The official journal of the International Coastal and Marine Tourism Society (ICMTS), Tourism in Marine Environments is an interdisciplinary scientific journal dealing with a variety of management issues in coastal and marine settings. The marine environment attracts visitors for tourism and recreation such as diving and snorkeling, water sports, fishing, wildlife watching, boating and cruising, beach activities, and coastal sightseeing. Tourism in Marine Environments aims to be the leading source for research and analysis related to marine tourism.

The paper examines scuba diving as a tourism activity and the potential ways to market the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a diving destination.

“The underwater world symbolizes adventure, exploration, serenity, learning, and camaraderie,” explained Duncanson. “Beyond the educational and leisurely aspects of diving, the social aspect is equally significant. I've met individuals from diverse backgrounds, all connected by this shared passion.”

An international student from the Bahamas, Duncanson has been something of a phenomenon on the Gulf Park campus of Southern Miss.

“I really wanted to make a difference on campus,” he said.

Duncanson is currently president of the Student Government Association, and he served as vice president, then president, of Judicial Affairs. He participated in the Study Abroad program in the summer of 2022 and spent that semester studying in London, even speaking with a member of the British Parliament.

In 2023, Duncanson traveled to Washington, D.C. and spent the summer as an intern for Caterpillar’s lobbying group. He was named Student Employee of the Year in the spring of 2022; received the People’s Choice award at the School of Marketing Research Showcase in 2022; and was named Outstanding International Student at the 2023 Gulf Park Awards.

Duncanson also chartered the student group Fins and Flippers, whose members enjoy scuba and snorkeling and assist in marine conservation efforts such as monthly beach cleanups.

“During my childhood on the island [of Grand Bahama], our elders consistently emphasized the notion that ‘effort reaps rewards,’” Duncanson said. “This publication serves as a testament to that age-old wisdom and illustrates how I am continuously uncovering new facets of my capabilities. I am profoundly appreciative of the guidance and diligence of my thesis advisor, Dr. Bradley Winton. I have no doubt that his support helped me to achieve this milestone.”

"This was a real passion project for both Ka’Lon and me,” said Dr. Bradley Winton, Assistant Professor of Management in the School of Leadership. “We were so excited when we first talked about it that we had a research model prepared within about 30 minutes. With Ka’Lon’s background as a scuba diving guide and my interest in enhancing our Blue Economy here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the project became both a professional and personal success. More than that, Ka’Lon and I have had the opportunity to form a very rewarding mentoring partnership and friendship. He will be missed as he goes off into the world to represent Southern Miss, but I will be excited to hear about all the great things he does.”

“Ka’Lon Duncanson is a force of nature,” stated Dr. Heather Annulis, Director of the School of Leadership, which is part of the College of Business and Economic Development. “He has a big presence on campus and has been a very positive influence on campus life here in Gulf Park. The publication of this research shows a remarkable ability to balance his academic and scholarly activities with not only a social life but also social responsibility.” She continued, “His presence will be felt here long after he graduates in December.”

The School of Leadership is housed within the College of Business and Economic Development at The University of Southern Mississippi and operates on the Coastal USM campus in Long Beach, Mississippi. Its undergraduate degree programs include Accounting, Applied Technology, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering Technology (Logistics), Management, and Marketing. Graduate programs include Human Capital Development, Human Capital Development (Instructional Technology and Design), Instructional Technology and Design, and Logistics, Trade and Transportation.

Learn more about these degree programs or email.