Dr. Tarkington J. Newman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and holds an Affiliate Faculty position with the Department of Kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire. Additionally, he is Faculty for the Online Sport Social Work Certificate program offered by the University of Michigan School of Social Work. In addition to serving as a Research Fellow for the U.S. Center for Mental Health and Sport, Dr. Newman is an Affiliated Researcher for the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center, serves on the Mental Health Research Advisory Board for the America East Academic Consortium, and operates as the Chair the Research Committee for the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports.

Through his Social Work, Social Justice, & Sport Research Lab, Dr. Newman is committed to serving youth populations (ages 10-24) who are socially vulnerable and/or at-risk for mental and behavioral health problems. His research has engaged populations including youth of color, youth from economically disadvantaged urban communities, and LGBTQ+ youth. Specifically, Dr. Newman’s research focuses on promoting critical positive youth development (PYD) through sport and other forms of physical activity. Using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, his research investigates mechanisms that promote life skills, social justice, mental health, healthy masculinity, as well as the prevention of aggressive and violent behaviors. The culmination of Dr. Newman’s research is related to creation of PYD-focused coach education and the use of social work practice in sport settings.

To date, he has published 43 peer-reviewed journal articles, presented 43 peer-reviewed international and national presentations, and helped secure over $3,584,148 in grant funding/contracts for research. In addition to his scholarship, Dr. Newman has over 13 years of experience coaching track and field, winning three high school state championships in Michigan.