Dr. Davut Atılgan’s journey into academia and sports sciences began long before he entered a university classroom. Growing up in a modest, middle-class family in Turkiye, he discovered a deep and lasting love for sport during his middle school years. Sports became more than an extracurricular interest for him. It served as a grounding force, a space where he felt confident, energised, and connected. Throughout high school, he participated in sports with enthusiasm, yet at that time, he did not fully understand how to translate this passion into a meaningful and sustainable career.
That uncertainty shifted dramatically when a close friend told him about the special talent examinations required for admission into the Physical Education and Sports Teaching undergraduate programme. This simple conversation changed the course of his life. Encouraged by the idea that his talent could open professional doors, he decided to take the examination. Succeeding in that moment gave him a strong sense of purpose and marked the beginning of his academic and professional development.
During his undergraduate years, Dr. Atılgan encountered financial difficulties that challenged his ability to continue studying. These limitations shaped his resilience and taught him the importance of perseverance, budgeting and long-term planning. Instead of discouraging him, the pressure reinforced his determination to succeed. Later, he pursued postgraduate studies and eventually completed a PhD at Selçuk University, where he refined his academic interests in sports management, decision-making theory and crisis management.
His professional path expanded further when he took on leadership roles within public institutions. Serving as a Branch Manager within the Ministry of National Education offered him valuable administrative experience and deepened his understanding of organisational behaviour and community engagement. These experiences later enriched his academic career and influenced his research perspectives.
Today, as an Associate Professor at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University and Head of the Department of Sports Management, Dr. Atılgan continues to build on his early passions while mentoring the next generation of scholars and practitioners.
A defining moment or turning point
Dr. Atılgan highlights two defining turning points that shaped his academic path. The first was successfully passing the special talent examination in his youth, a moment that opened the door to higher education and allowed him to align his passion with a professional goal. The second came later, during his doctoral studies, when he passed the foreign language examinations required for academic progression. This achievement gave him the confidence to pursue advanced research, publish internationally, and participate more actively in global academic networks. Together, these moments marked the transition from aspiration to accomplishment.
Research, and why does it matter?
Dr. Atılgan’s research explores the intersection of sports sciences, management, and behavioural psychology. His work focuses on crisis management, decision-making, and self-confidence among sports managers and administrators. He is deeply committed to multidisciplinary collaboration, believing that sports sciences greatly benefit from the integration of perspectives from psychology, management studies, education, and the social sciences.
His research addresses real-world problems affecting sports organisations, schools, communities and institutions. By studying how leaders make decisions during crises or pressure situations, he aims to strengthen the resilience of sports systems and contribute to healthier management cultures. His work also supports the training of the next generation of sports professionals by providing evidence-based insights that enhance performance, ethical management, and institutional quality.
Financial constraints
Throughout his journey, Dr. Atılgan has faced both personal and systemic challenges. As a university student, financial constraints often created uncertainty about the continuation of his studies. Later, as he entered the academic world, he encountered professional resistance and jealousy from individuals who attempted to obstruct his progress. These experiences taught him patience, humility and the value of focusing on long-term goals rather than being discouraged by short-term opposition. He also had to navigate institutional limitations that restricted access to resources and funding, which required creativity and determination in pursuing research and project opportunities.
Success in academia is not the result of talent alone. It is the outcome of patience, persistence and the courage to continue despite obstacles.
-Davut Atilgan
Milestones that matter!
Among the milestones that hold special meaning for Dr. Atılgan are:
- Recognition during his public service work, when the institution he left publicly thanked him as a just and friendly Branch Manager. This acknowledgement affirmed the integrity and fairness he brought to leadership roles.
- Passing the foreign language examination required for academic advancement. This achievement unlocked new opportunities and deepened his engagement with international research.
- Receiving numerous certificates, plaques, and awards during his military service, roles in the Ministry of National Education, and his academic career. These moments strengthened his motivation and validated the years of effort he had invested.
Sport taught me discipline, but life taught me purpose. When both come together, they guide every decision I make as a researcher and as a human being.
– Davut Atilgan
Advice to your younger self or aspiring researchers
Dr. Atılgan would tell his younger self to remain patient and to trust the process. Success does not come quickly, and genuine progress requires determination, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning. To aspiring researchers, he offers simple but valuable advice: work with integrity, stay curious, and treat people with kindness, even in competitive environments. Above all, he encourages young scholars to commit to making meaningful contributions to humanity.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atılgan hopes to pursue innovative and impactful research that strengthens the scientific foundations of sports management. He is planning new projects that integrate sports science with other academic fields, aiming to produce the highest-quality work possible. His broader vision is to contribute to society through knowledge, mentoring, and the production of meaningful scientific outputs.
Outside academia, Dr. Atılgan finds peace in worship, a practice that plays a central role in his personal life. Family is especially important to him, and he devotes significant time to supporting and spending time with loved ones. He also enjoys swimming and participating in various sports activities that help him stay grounded and maintain a healthy lifestyle. For him, life outside science is about balance, community, and spiritual fulfilment.
