Redefining Scholastic Esports and Championing Diversity

How do you bridge education, esports, and diversity in an ever-evolving digital landscape?

We sat down with Christopher Turner, Director of the Mixed Reality Virtual Innovation Gaming and Esports Institute at Southern University Law Center, to discuss his groundbreaking efforts in scholastic esports, his passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, and how his vision is shaping the future of the industry.

Q: Christopher, your journey in esports is inspiring. Can you share how it all began and what led you to focus on scholastic esports?

Absolutely. My journey started as an educator. I taught art at Baton Rouge’s McKinley High and had a student, Richard, who would disrupt class by talking about gaming. At the time, I hadn’t played a game since PlayStation 2. Richard convinced me to buy a PlayStation 4, and when I did, I was amazed by how advanced gaming had become.

That moment sparked my curiosity, and I started researching scholastic gaming. I realized it wasn’t just entertainment — it could reach students in STEM, creativity, and communication. When I moved to Southern University in 2019, I launched esports programs first in the K-12 lab school and then at the college level, leveraging sponsorships and grants to create spaces for students to thrive.

Q: What role do you see esports playing in education, especially for underrepresented communities?

Esports is transformative. At Southern University, many of our students come from low-income backgrounds, and over half are on free or reduced lunch. These students are often told gaming is a waste of time, but the skills they develop — problem-solving, teamwork, and even drone operation — are in demand across industries.

Esports also serves as a retention and recruitment tool. Students who might otherwise disengage from school find a reason to stay and succeed. It’s especially powerful for African American students, who make up only 4% of the gaming industry. We’re working to change that by showing them they belong and can succeed in this space.

Q: COVID-19 had a major impact on education and esports. How did it shape your approach to scholastic gaming?

COVID was pivotal. It forced everyone to go virtual, and esports grew tenfold. Suddenly, you’d see sim racing and NBA 2K on major networks like CBS. People realized gaming wasn’t just a pastime — it was a legitimate competitive and educational platform.

We used unrestricted COVID funds to build a $500,000 esports lab at Southern. This space supports K-12 students, college students, and the broader community, providing access to technology and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. It’s been a game-changer.

Q: Gaming and esports are often used interchangeably. How do you explain the difference, especially in a scholastic setting?

Gaming is casual and entertainment-focused, while esports is competitive and structured. Esports involves training, strategy, and discipline, much like traditional sports. Students who compete in esports learn valuable life skills — time management, teamwork, and critical thinking — that they can apply to any career.

For example, a student might aspire to become a pro player, but we also expose them to other opportunities in the industry, like game design, broadcasting, or brand development. It’s about showing them a path beyond just playing.

Q: You’ve had success working with major game developers like EA. What’s the key to building those relationships?

It’s about aligning with their goals. Developers like EA recognize that universities are cultivating the next generation of talent. At Southern, we’ve built relationships where their teams visit our campus multiple times a year to engage with students, share insights, and support events.

These partnerships also help us showcase the value of esports to students who might not realize the career opportunities available. For example, our recent collaboration with Rally Cry and EA involved a college tour with gaming activations, including a major event at the Bayou Classic.

Q: You shared a powerful story about Mahcoe, one of your students. Can you elaborate on how esports impacted his life?

Mahcoe was a struggling student from a single-parent household in Oklahoma. When he joined our esports club, his life changed. He raised his GPA to meet our 2.7 requirement and ended up winning $10,000 in scholarships, which helped him pay for tuition.

But it didn’t stop there. Mahcoe secured internships with Riot Games and Nike, where he connected esports to their branding efforts. His passion and drive opened doors, and today he’s thriving in a career that combines his love for gaming with professional opportunities.

Q: What advice do you give students who dream of becoming professional esports players?

I’m honest with them. Becoming a pro player is like making it to the NBA — it’s rare. Only 2% of players reach that level, so we focus on helping students build transferable skills.

At Southern, we work with our Law Center to teach students about intellectual property, branding, and business development. We also align their majors with their esports interests, whether it’s computer science, engineering, or graphic design. The goal is to set them up for success, whether they stay in esports or move into other industries.

Q: Looking ahead, what’s next for you and the esports programs at Southern?

We’re expanding globally, with partnerships in Ghana to develop esports and educational initiatives. We’re also planning activations around major events like the Super Bowl, which I can’t reveal details about yet but will be big.

The focus is on creating opportunities for students, building industry connections, and continuing to show the world that esports is more than just gaming — it’s a pathway to success.

Wrapping It Up

Christopher Turner is at the forefront of integrating esports into education and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. His work is redefining what it means to succeed in the digital age, and his vision is paving the way for the future of scholastic gaming.

To learn more about Christopher’s work, follow him on LinkedIn.

About Christopher

Christopher Turner is a distinguished educator and esports advocate with extensive experience in integrating gaming into academic environments. As the Director of Esports and Head Coach at Southern University Laboratory School, he has been instrumental in developing comprehensive esports programs that enhance student engagement and learning. Christopher’s innovative approach has positioned him as a leading figure in scholastic esports, bridging the gap between education and competitive gaming.

Beyond his role in education, Christopher is a sought-after speaker and consultant, contributing to the broader discourse on esports in education. His commitment to fostering inclusive and dynamic gaming communities has earned him recognition within the industry. Through his leadership, Christopher continues to inspire students and educators alike, demonstrating the transformative potential of esports in academic settings.