2023 Fall Sport Management Newsletter

FALL 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Greetings to all. As you read this newsletter I trust you are healthy and well. The “craziness” of the past few years with the pandemic and post-pandemic activities resulted in a disruption to our production of the department newsletter. I am pleased we are able to resume the important work of sharing information with our friends and alumni.

The Department of Sport Management has a new “look” as we start the 2023-2024 academic year. When I started my service as department chair there were seven (7) Sport Management faculty (which included one adjunct instructor). In Fall 2023 the department will be home to sixteen (16) faculty members, eleven (11) tenured/ tenure-track and five (5) specialized faculty members. It has been quite a “ride” since becoming a stand-alone Department of Sport Management. Each of the degree programs have grown and with the additional faculty we are poised to continue as a leader in the field. In this newsletter you will be able to read about our newest additions, Dr. Timothy Kellison (we are very excited that Tim is “coming home”), Dr. Anna Posbergh, and Dr. Devra Waldman. The new look includes our wonderful staff; during my time as department chair we have added one staff position and are now supported by Mr. Jeffrey Hoh (Department Manager), Mrs. Katrina Bond (Accounting Specialist), and Mr. Joshua Boze (Academic Program Specialist). It is an honor and a blessing to work with our wonderful faculty and staff members.

Growth is also occurring at the college level. For those that do not keep up with current events in higher education, the College of Education is expanding and will now include the departments from the former College of Health & Human Services. As of this writing the college bylaws are being prepared, and a name for the expanded college is being finalized. Please be sure to check in at the college website for more information about this exciting change. As a result of the expansion we will now be the second largest college at Florida State University.

You will learn from reading the newsletter there are numerous exciting activities taking place. We are pleased to be able to host trips for students and faculty that allow for networking with industry professionals and completing service at various sporting events (e.g., the College Football Playoff Championship, the Men’s and Women’s Final Four tournament, the Women’s College World Series). The Global Sport Program is expanding, with a full session in Spain starting in Summer 2024, in addition to our full session in the United Kingdom. The university is rising in national rankings, as is the college, and the department is as strong as it has ever been. Please enjoy reading about what all has been going on, and please follow up and let us know how you are doing.

Regards,

Dr. Jeffrey D. James Sport Management Department Chair

Sport Management Atlanta Networking Trip

By Devon Shpiruk

The Sports Management Student Association (SMSA) at Florida State University visited Atlanta during the Fall 2022 semester and networked with professionals within the MLB Braves, NFL Falcons, NBA Hawks, and MLS United FC. Along with the many networking opportunities, students were able to tour Mercedes Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, and the College Football Hall of Fame. The Atlanta networking trip not only provided students with the opportunity to build strong professional relationship-building skills, but allowed for engagement with top professionals in a casual, nervefree setting.

The first organization SMSA networked with was the Atlanta Falcons, joined by several professionals including Tameka Rish (VP Game & Event Experience), Tyler Hargrove (Director of Corporate Sponsorships), and Lauren Litwack (Premium Services). Such executives were able to provide their personal success in the sports industry, as well as share advice and answer questions relating to students beginning their career in sport. Dillom Jemmott and Pat Gaitan—two executives with soccer’s Atlanta United FC—also joined the panel and gave insight into the operations and marketing agenda of Major League Soccer club.

Students were then granted the opportunity to network with the Atlanta Braves and attend their game versus the Philadelphia Phillies. Brad Jones, Vice President of Partnerships & Premium Services, networked with students and led a tour of the Braves’ facility. Brad’s take-home message to the group was among the strongest from the trip—be reasonable with yourself and take every chance you can early in your professional career. Brad also brought along two sales employees, both of whom worked their way up through the Braves’ mentorship program before being hired full-time. Given that both interns were in their early 20s, it allowed students to picture themselves in their shoes and provided two contacts to lean on for future advice.

The following day started with touring State Farm Arena and networking with Brett McNeill, a previous president of SMSA at Florida State University. Brett discussed his path to work with the Atlanta Hawks after graduating from FSU. Brett invited a backand-forth casual conversation as he wanted to avoid hesitation or nervousness to ask him personal questions and for advice on career readiness within the sport industry. After the State Farm Arena tour, students then attended the Atlanta United FC versus soccer match.

The final day of the Atlanta networking trip was filled with visiting and networking with professionals at the College Football Hall of Fame (CFBHOF). Amber Brown (Special Events Sales Manager), Denis Crawford (Historian and Exhibit Designer), and Brandon Nguyen (Historian and Exhibit Intern) were the three professionals who provided insight into the operations behind the CFBHOF as well as answered any questions that students gathered from the touring the hall. Being that Amber and Denis were both FSU graduates, they were able to appreciate the love we share with their alma mater and profession.

The SMSA networking trip to Atlanta was an amazing experience for students to be able to network with many sport professionals and begin to develop relationships with one another. Networking goes far beyond just the professional realm but also takes precedence in students’ everyday interactions. Among all speakers on this trip, the importance of building meaningful relationships with your peers was a consensus piece of advice. This trip created the perfect environment for students to pursue their future career aspirations, while also interacting with like-minded individuals. ■

Sport Management Students Travel to Jacksonville

By Meredith Grimm

On October 9, 2023, a group of roughly 40 Florida State students from the Sport Management Student Association had the opportunity to attend a networking panel and game at TIAA Bank Field with the Jacksonville Jaguars organization. We drove over early that morning to spend some time with the employees before the 1:00 pm kickoff. We were escorted up to the club level where a host of representatives from different sectors were waiting for us – a Ticket Operations Specialist, a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, a Quantitative Research Manager, a Manager of Member Experience and Retention, a Manager of Inside Sales, and an Inside Sales Representative. Each employee told us a little bit about their background and how they got to the Jaguars organization, while taking the time to answer our broad questions in the group setting.

the professional networking portion of the day was over and we were able to attend the game. It presented a chance to make friends amongst our peer group of like-minded Sport Management students and enjoy some professional football. Whether you were a born-andraised Jaguars fans or this was your first time attending a game, all students seemed to have a great time.

After the game was over, we traveled back home to Tallahassee equipped with ideas to further our own careers and business cards from great contacts that we had spoken to that day. Students were able to learn more about the position that interests them most, and become exposed to new sectors of Sport Management that may pique their interest as well. It was incredible to hear the real experiences and guidance of all the panelists, granting us with knowledge that we can now take action on to further our own careers. Overall this was an incredible experience with many opportunities to learn, and just one of the many ways that the Department of Sport Management at Florida State University goes above and beyond to ensure that its students are on the path to success. ■

We then broke into small groups on a rotation, giving each student the chance to interact with each of the professionals and learn more about what their career entails and the best advice they can give us. We were impressed at how accessible these individuals were and their willingness to share their wisdom, mainly focused on how to attain a job in this competitive industry and what we as students can do to set ourselves apart. After the panel was finished, Colin Baumgartner, Assistant Manager of Ticket Sales and our main point of contact at the Jaguars, took us on a tour of the stadium, down to the field level to see the team operations up close. At that point,

Students Travel to 2023 Final Four in Houston

By Allie Cordero

The first weekend of April 2023 was an exciting one for Sport Management at Florida State, as a group of 39 students had the opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas for the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four. Students volunteered, networked, and attended sporting events in the Houston area to get a glimpse at how professional sports operate in a big city and how the NCAA organizes such a large event.

During a tour of Minute Maid Park, the home of the Houston Astros, students met with Anita Sehgal, the team’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Her expertise allowed students to understand the intensity of her role working for the reigning World Series champions. She described the process of changing the team’s marketing after their win, and showed us the work of Tom Jennings, the Vice President of Merchandising and Retail Operations, who designed custom clothing items for the Astros’ staff members after their series win.

Students also met with Zee French, the Vice President of Ticketing for the Houston Rockets, where they got an in-depth tour of the Toyota Center in downtown Houston. French offered insight into how ticketing works for a large NBA team, as well as all of the factors that impact ticket sales and season-ticket holders. Students did plenty of volunteering for the NCAA as well, assisting at the annual Dribble Block event at Hermann Park and at the NCAA Men’s Championship Game, where they were able to be part of the NCAA’s efforts to increase recycling and involve children in sports. Through this, they saw the amount of planning, preparation, and work that goes into hosting an event of such scale and learned just how many opportunities there are to work in sports. Lastly, students were given the opportunity to attend the Houston Astros game, the Houston Rockets game, and all three of the Final Four games throughout the weekend.

This trip was educational and successful due to the encouragement of the Sport Management faculty, particularly Dr. Jason Pappas and Dr. Mark DiDonato who joined students on the trip and encouraged them to take advantage of such an incredible networking and learning opportunity. Our gratitude is also extended to the Houston Astros, the Houston Rockets, the NCAA, and the Harris County Houston Sports Authority for giving students such incredible opportunities to break into the world of sport. Finally, we would like to thank the Sport Management Student Association for their support and assistance with planning the trip. Organizers Samantha Perham, Justus Espinoza, and Nico Finol worked tirelessly before and during the trip to create a fantastic weekend for the students, and their dedication to this group is greatly appreciated! Florida State University has the number one Sport Management program in the country, and the trip demonstrates why that is; the passion these students have for sport is unmatched, and their willingness to travel to Houston in order to learn more is inspiring. We look forward to our next opportunity to grow in our field! ■

FSU Well Represented at NASSM Conference in Canada

By Susmit Galavani

The 2023 edition of the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) annual conference took place in Montreal, Canada from May 31-June 3. The Department of Sport Management was well-represented in the NASSM conference, with twelve students and eight faculty members making the trip to Montreal. The research findings were disseminated by the participants through two modes of presentation, namely oral and poster presentations. The topics covered in these presentations were diverse and encompassed areas such as sport marketing, sport management, sport economics, sport law, sport sociology, and sport education. Apart from the scholarly discourse sessions, Dr. Damon Andrew, the

Dean of the College of Education, arranged an Alumni Social event, which brought together present and past students of the Department of Sport Management for an enjoyable evening of networking and reminiscing. At a well-attended FSU alumni event, both Dean Andrew and Dr. James spoke with the attendees and provided an update on the growth and success of the program and college. The conference facilitated opportunities for students enrolled in the Department of Sport Management to engage in professional development activities, such as sharing their research findings, establishing connections with other scholars who are actively involved in research, and exchanging ideas that are relevant to the field of sport management. ■

ALUMNI FEATURES

A. Lamont Williams is a Scholar-Activist (Assistant Professor) at San Jose State University. Dr. Williams received his Ph.D. in Sport Management from the College of Education at Florida State University. At San Jose State University, Lamont currently teaches Theory (KIN 152) and Sociocultural Perspectives (KIN 164) at the undergraduate level and Management & Leadership (KIN 283), Finance (KIN 284), Legal Aspects (KIN 281), and Marketing (KIN 282) in Sport Management. Dr. Williams specializes in research related to the intersection of racial equity, critical studies, athlete activism, legal discourse, and athlete liberation. Dr. Williams is also a consultant and strategist (Savant Siempre, L.L.C.), as well as the founder of the Siempre Sports Academy in the San Francisco Bay Area.

How did you decide to attend Florida State University for your doctoral studies?

My attendance to Florida State University was sparked by a conference presentation given at the North American Society for Sociology in Sport (NASSS) Conference in Tampa, FL in 2016. Following my presentation, I was encouraged to pursue a Ph.D. in Sport Management by Dr. Harry Edwards and Dr. Algerian Hart. I then met with Dr. Michael Giardina, who offered for me to attend FSU and study with him—one of the best decisions I ever made.

Dr. A. Lamont Williams

Assistant Professor, San Jose State University

What was the topic of your dissertation and how has such research served as a launching pad for your current research focus?

My dissertation was titled “Academic clustering in Intercollegiate Athletics: Supporting evidence for disparate impact of amateurism?” In that study, I focused on interrogating the existence of academic clustering in intercollegiate athletics as a way to determine if a disparate impact claim (in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) could be made against the NCAA.

My dissertation provided a solid foundation of knowledge (legal, sociological, etc.) and critical standpoints to produce numerous academic articles about Black athletes, activism, and the college athletic experience. Since then, I have also expanded my scope to include international athletes and women of color as part of my analysis.

What is your teaching focus at San Jose State University?

As one of two Sport Management professors at San Jose State University, my teaching focus is primarily situated in our Sport Management core classes. I teach Theory of Sport Management and Sociocultural Perspectives at the undergraduate level, along with four graduate courses: (1) Management, Leadership, and Communication in Sport, (2) Marketing and Social Aspects of Sport, (3) Legal Aspects of Sport, and (4) Financial Aspects of Sport.

What are some of the highlights about being a faculty member at San Jose State University?

As a faculty member at San Jose State University, I am fortunate to have great latitude in ‘wearing multiple hats’ inside and outside of the classroom. I have been able to continually conduct and publish critical research, while also scoring highly on teaching effectiveness in every semester (average of 4.9 on a 5.0 scale). I have also worked closely with our athletic department to conduct research and support our college athlete development programs (currently have a collaborative article in review that was conducted after leading two groups of athletes to academic conferences during the Summer 2022 term). My growing relationship with the athletic department has also led to me being hired as special advisory for all DEI matters and development.

As a result of our success, I have been able to aid in securing multiple grants for our college athlete development programming and have subsequently been tapped to lead a research study (in conjunction with Adobe) on the program effectiveness of their college athlete micro-internship program.

Lastly, I have been able to be of direct service to underserved students at San Jose State University by creating the Siempre Sports Academy (SSA). As the leader of SSA, I have enlisted the help of our students to create sport-centric workshops that focus on closing knowledge gaps for our underserved students. Through our pursuits, I have working partnerships with the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Sharks (NHL), and Monterey Bay FC (USL). Our events are typically hosted at sporting venues, where students have a chance to network/engage with industry professionals and learn the skills necessary to be successful in the world of sport. I take great pride in our work with SSA, as every event has led to multiple students getting jobs (or internships) with the hosting team.

What advice do you have for current doctoral students in our program?

As I look back on my years spent in Tully Gym, I would offer a few points of advice:

First, use your time wisely and constructively; use every single class as a way to build something toward the final product. The work may seem like a lot, but it will prepare you to be an unstoppable researcher if you invest in the materials and use every class as some way of building your dissertation (or other academic pursuits) in the process. Additionally, work really hard at learning the things that don’t come naturally to you. Not to say you will be an expert at everything, but you don’t necessarily need to be—you just need to know enough to be dangerous.

Second, spend more time digging for answers and asking questions – the doctoral program can be arduous, but it is much harder when you are not asking the questions that will help you in the future. Trust me when I say: go to office hours or set 1v1 meetings! Ask your professors about their trajectories, experiences, research, and opportunities. Ask their thoughts on subject matters and contemporary events. Ask their opinion on your potential avenues for

advancement, along with their assistance in getting there. Ask about their life experiences and some of the challenges they have faced. Just ask questions! They are there to support you and see you win, so get it while the getting is good. It will pay dividends in the future, and it is up to you to reach out. They are experts at meeting you where you are, and closed mouths don’t get fed. If you need support or are wanting additional guidance, ask (and be prepared to do the work).

Third, attend conferences, network in your desired industry, and work with your advisors/mentors to publish while you are there. Dr. Rodenberg and Dr. Giardina both helped me to get publications before I walked the stage and they ended up being a huge difference maker on the job market. Conferences will allow you to develop collaborations and your advisors will help you to polish up the product for the review process. Heck, refer back to my earlier suggestion of time spent with professors and you might find yourself on a co-authored piece with them.

Fourth, explore your identity and joys outside of the program! Too often, I see people who are overly-stressed by the pressures of the program and in my experience, those people fail to invest in their healthy outlets that aid in keeping the balance. Your whole life is NOT academics, it is merely a sliver of the iceberg. That said, take a hike. Go to the beach. Attend sporting events. Go to a play. Take a trip (when you can). Essentially, be sure that your entire existence is not wrapped up in academics. Work-life balance is important and you need to find ways to smile and enjoy your life outside of the pages of your studies.

Fifth, celebrate the wins, both big and small! Regardless of what the win may be, celebrate it! For all of us, celebrations look differently but I can say with the utmost certainty that celebrating the small victories along the way can be the difference-maker for your entire experience. Celebrations could be giving yourself the day off to enjoy some poolside time, or grilling up your favorite meal, or a trip to the beach for the day. Either way, celebrate the victories (for yourself and those close to you as well) along the way. They help to keep the morale up and keep you moving toward the finish line.

Best of luck, my fellow Noles. Feel free to connect with me via LinkedIn or other social media outlets (@savantlamont). Happy to chat and help you along the way! ■

ALUMNI FEATURES

Stephanie Vetrano

Stephanie Vetrano graduated from FSU with her Bachelors in Hospitality in 2020 and Masters in Sport Management in 2021. Stephanie volunteered with the facilities and events team with FSU Athletics which sparked her interest in the facilities space in sport. She interned at the Western and Southern Open, a masters level 1000 professional tennis tournament, in Cincinnati, OH. Stephanie worked as a court intern on the facilities team and worked to prepare over 15 courts for the tournament. She oversaw all court resurfacing, putting nets on courts and led over 50 court interns throughout the tournament. After her internship in tennis at Western and Southern, she went on to work at the United States Tennis Association after graduation. She started as an administrative assistant where she got to work with industry partners, plan events and take lead in planning and executing Arthur Ashe Kids Day and Net Generation Kid Activations at the US Open. Stephanie is now a National Event Engagement & Experience Coordinator where she focuses on enhancing player experience, executing national tournaments and working in major events, such as NCAA’s, Orange Bowl and the US Open.

How did you decide to attend Florida State University for college and your masters degree?

I grew up in New York and never really had that environment of college fans or loyal alumni. When I moved to Central Florida, I saw so many people with all different college shirts and it was such exciting energy. I knew I wanted to go to a bigger school in state and when I visited FSU, I instantly fell in love. Not only was the campus beautiful but I felt right at home and knew there were so many opportunities I could pursue in my time here. I originally planned to get my MBA but after going through 3 years and my Hospitality degree, I knew I wanted to turn a different direction. I had a few friends go through the Sport Management masters program and had seen how amazing the program was, so I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue the masters.

What are some of your job duties at the USTA? What is a ‘typical day’ like?

My job has 3 major “buckets,” working with our National Events, Tournament Directors and Major Events. I am on our Play and Competition team, which encompasses all play at USTA, including youth, junior, adult, college and adaptive. My team focuses on player experience and engagement within our national tournaments, which is the highest level tournament USTA offers. We focus on event feel, extra events, recovery equipment, health and wellness additions, opening/closing ceremonies and more. We focus on reviewing feedback and research on what players want and what makes tournaments great for them. An example would be creating a player social after play one day. The second bucket is working with our National Tournament Directors. This is a new initiative to our team and we have been working on strategies to grow our base but also better support and engage. Our player numbers are

National Event Engagement & Experience Coordinator, United States Tennis Association

growing, but without more tournament directors, we cannot add more tournaments to engage these new players. Lastly, my team focuses on Major Events. This year, USTA is hosting the DI, II and III NCAA Mens and Womens Tennis Championships. This is the first time in any sport all 3 divisions are at one site. We helped plan and execute the operations aspects of this tournament, but also focused on introducing engagement events to drive attendance to the DII and III matches. I lead planning and execution for a Kids Day, Recruiting Seminar and Coin Tossers. My team has also planned Adult engagement events, staff appreciation and a Military Night. We also work at the US Open on the community tennis side. I plan and execute Arthur Ashe Kids Day as well as our other Kid On Court programs. AAKD brings in over 30,000 people and it includes on court play as well as off court fun. We also welcome over 70 kid programs to come on site and hit on court before matches at the Open. Last year we had over 1,600 kids and also had over 100 coin tossers and trophy holders. A typical day for me is always changing. With my team having so many buckets, I have to prioritize what is most important each day. Some days I work in the office at more “typical” hours, and other days I have a tournament that I might work at 15 hours a day.

How did some of the classes you took at FSU help you in your current position at the USTA?

The classes I took at FSU really helped me with my time management, organization, delegation and prioritization. Being in college, you are taking multiple classes, might have a job, play a sport, be in clubs or be involved in other activities. This is a great opportunity to learn how to manage your time and how to prioritize. There might be times you want to do something for your extracurriculars or that’s fun with friends, but have an assignment due that night so have to prioritize that. That translates into my current position as sometimes I want to do something during the weekend but I have a tournament or I have a big to do list, and I have to figure out what to tackle first. The law class in my masters degree was also very beneficial. Although I never had much of an interest in law and do not use it much in my current position, it has been helpful to have a basic understanding as I have to submit contracts and am able to think of events in a different way by considering safety and possible legal implications. Most classes also had multiple group presentations and projects throughout the semester. This is very helpful as in my position, I do a lot of presenting and public speaking to my team but also to other teams and leadership in the company. These projects helped teach me to be very collaborative and delegate and the USTA is a very collaborative company across departments and sections.

What are some of the highlights of being an early career executive at the USTA?

I wanted to work in sports to make an impact on others, specifically through events. I played softball growing up and those memories are truly some of the best I have had. I remember going to tournaments and having so much fun with my friends, but also feeling so proud when I played well or my team played well. I wanted to be that person that contributed to those positive memories and experiences for people of all ages. So far my biggest highlight was working the 2022 US Open. Like I mentioned above, I work on the community tennis

side of the Open which is really special as I get to engage kids and programs in the area and bring them to the tournament. They get to play on a US Open court and go watch all of the tennis pros, serving as inspiration for their future. So many of these kids and families have never been to the Open and might have never been able to go due to costs and other factors. Getting to engage over 1,600 kids to live out their dreams and come to the US Open means the world to me and was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Being early in my career, I still have a lot to learn and the USTA has been a great place to meet mentors and truly learn how to be a leader in the sport industry. I have so much autonomy in my position and it has been incredible to plan events, introduce new initiatives and positively impact families lives only in my 2nd year at the company.

What advice do you have for current masters students in our program?

My biggest advice is to take advantage of any opportunities and to get involved. Connections and relationships are very important in the sports industry and being involved in internships, volunteering, SMSA, clubs, etc is a great way to build relationships. There are also so many opportunities at FSU, especially working in athletics, so I recommend getting involved with a department or team early to explore what you like, and again, build those relationships and show your hard work. I also recommend getting to know your professors and utilizing their knowledge and connections to help you explore what you’re passionate about. There are hundreds of paths you could go on in the sports world, so use your time in the masters to explore your passions, make connections, enjoy time with your classmates and prepare for life after graduation. The last piece of advice I will give, especially pertaining to applying for your first full time job, is to be aggressive on the journey but patient on the outcome. Apply to as many jobs as you could see yourself in, reach out to connections and do not sell yourself short. If things are not working out right away though, they are not meant to be. Also, if you get an opportunity that might not sound very appealing, sometimes taking a chance on it is the best thing you can do. When I graduated, I didn’t have any offers except from USTA as a part time administrative assistant. I was excited to start working for a great company and in tennis, but truthfully, was disappointed in myself as I had a masters degree and only had a part time job. I knew this wasn’t a reflection of me, but just how competitive the sports field is. I knew that getting into the company, proving myself and meeting key workers would lead me to where I belonged and a few months later I went full time. Although I wasn’t thrilled to be an admin either, I knew the title wasn’t important but what was, was the work I did. I got to lead projects, meet industry executives, learn more about tennis / the USTA and work at the Open which led me to applying and getting my current coordinator role as I worked really hard and showed who I was. No position or title is ever too small for you, especially at the beginning, so if an opportunity comes up in a company or sport you love, take it. Once you work hard, learn from experts and get your name out there, you will end up where you belong. ■

NEW FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

What is your teaching focus here at Florida State?

My teaching focus, so far, has been sociocultural aspects of sport and collegiate athletics.

What are some of the highlights about being a faculty member here?

Dr. Kris White

Teaching Faculty I

Dr. Kristopher White is a father, husband, and follower of Christ. He is also a teaching faculty in the Sport Management Department at Florida State University, who was recently the first, first year faculty to ever be awarded the COE Undergraduate Teaching Award. Dr. White has taught Sport Management courses including Sport in Society, Exploring the World of Sport, Introduction to Sport Management, and is the coordinator for our Lifetime Activities Program. He has also assisted in the development and facilitation of courses such as Fundraising in Sport, Collegiate Athletics, Sport and Literature, Sport: Conscience Meets Commerce, and Cross-Cultural Sport. His research interests involve Collegiate Athletics, Athlete Branding, the Political Economy of Sport, Biopolitics, and Race and Socioeconomic Matters of the NFL. Dr. White has been published in leading international journals in the field such as the Sociology of Sport Journal. His dissertation focused on the educational experiences of collegiate athletes and was titled: “Collegiate Sport as Biopolitical Dispositif: Excavating Black Collegiate Athletes’ Educational Experiences.” Dr. White is also a former collegiate athlete and is deeply passionate about student-athlete development. He worked as the Lead Strategic Academic Mentor within Florida State University Student-Athlete Academic Services for the last 4 years.

There are so many benefits that come with being a faculty member in our Sport Management Department. We cast a vast paradigmatic net that reaches every corner of our field and it is a blessing to have the ability to see sport management from each angle. But if being surrounded by some of the top researchers, professionals, and educators in our field was not enough, it truly does feel like a family. Our faculty is wonderfully supportive of one another, in many ways. A special highlight for me is the love I was shown by everyone when my wife and I had our first baby. I was showered with informational books – as professors like to gift – as well as a meal train from colleagues who brought us food for weeks.

What are some of the qualities you see in students who are successful in your classes and also successful in landing a job in the sport industry?

Students who are successful in my classes, as well as in their pursuit of a career afterwards, tend to share some key qualities. These students are those who already view themselves as early professionals and position their experience in the Sport Management program accordingly. They are the ones who take initiative in class, are highly engaging, go beyond expectations on my projects (especially those that require connecting with sport industry professionals), acquire practical internships or work experience, and are involved in organizations on campus like the ones we offer in our program – Sport Management Student Association (SMSA), Women in Sport Association (WISA), and Black Students in Sport Association (BSSIA). ■

Dr. Timothy Kellison Associate Professor

Tim Kellison is an incoming Associate Professor in the Department of Sport Management at Florida State University. His research is primarily focused on sport in the urban environment, with emphasis in sport ecology, urban and regional planning, public policy, and politics. He has received multiple recognitions for his work, including being designated a North American Society for Sport Management Research Fellow and being named a Fulbright Specialist in Urban Planning. Additionally, Kellison served on an international working group convened by the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and served as a co-author of the U.N.’s Sports for Climate Action Framework. He has edited or coedited several volumes on sport and environmental sustainability, including his most recent project, Sport Stadiums and Environmental Justice. A two-time graduate of the Florida State University Sport Management program (M.S., 2009; Ph.D., 2013), he returns to FSU after a decade on the faculties of Georgia State University and the University of Florida.

What classes do you foresee teaching here at Florida State?

This fall, I’ll be teaching facility management courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It’s something I’ve taught regularly for the past few years, and I’m excited to get the chance to continue that right away at FSU and realign the readings and assignments with the needs of our students. Down the road, I expect I’ll get the opportunity to teach a doctoral seminar, develop an elective or two on sport and environmental sustainability, and hopefully even teach abroad!

What was the topic of your dissertation and how did your dissertation serve as a launching pad for your current research focus?

At the time, I was really interested in the politics of stadiums that received public funding without first being approved by voters through a referendum. So, my dissertation centered on the political rationales that inform these subsidies and the subsequent public response. Although it’s been 10 years since I completed that project, many of its themes are present in the research I’m doing today. Methodologically, I still rely on a lot of the research approaches I learned and applied in my dissertation, while stadiums, communities and urban spaces, and democracy are all issues present in my current research. It’s also worth noting that my interest in sustainability was sparked by a term paper I wrote for the Issues in International Sport class in London. My dissertation gave me the tools, confidence, and momentum I needed to successfully transition to a faculty role after graduation, and it serves as an important foundation for the work I do now.

What are some of the current research projects that you are working on?

I’m really trying to hit the ground running when I get back to Tallahassee, so I’m hoping to continue work that began in a book I edited this year, Sports Stadiums and Environmental Justice. I think stadiums are a useful tool for understanding environmental racism and environmental justice. They are among a cityscape’s most recognizable landmarks, and they often serve as points of pride among city leaders and citizens. But folks who live near the stadium experience it differently, in ways—good and bad—that are much more personal and much less avoidable. I think the authors in the book do a stellar job illustrating the complicated relationship between sport stadiums and the environment, and that’s work I hope to build on in the fall.

I also hope to take some time to connect with my colleagues in the department—both faculty and students—and across campus, and to really think about areas for collaboration. After all, that was one of the big things that drew me back to FSU in the first place.

What advice do you have for current doctoral students in our program?

The doc program is a grind and can be full of struggles and challenges—as it should be. I think early on, it’s important to recognize that you are doing something really hard. There are a couple of things that helped me work through some of those hard days. First, get to know the other students in the program, whether they are in your cohort or not. I leaned hard on my colleagues, and I tried to let them lean on me, too. They’re really the only ones who know what you’re going through, so be ready to support each other. Second, be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself, do everything you can to eliminate negative self-talk, and get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Lastly, celebrate every success, no matter how minor or momentous—your first seminar paper, your dissertation defense, and everything in between! Your time in the program is hard, but it’s also an opportunity for incredible personal growth and satisfaction, so embrace as much as you can. ■

NEW FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

Dr. Devra Waldman Assistant Professor

Prior to joining FSU, Dr. Devra Waldman completed her PhD at the University of British Columbia, and Postdoctoral Fellowships at Rutgers University and Polytechnic University of Turin. Her research sits at the intersection sport management and urban studies, and looks to answer questions about how colonialism shapes sportled urban development, the politics of inclusion/exclusion in urban planning, and the contested ideas of community making. Using a variety of qualitative research methods, her focus has been on how sport-focused large-scale gated communities and ‘new city’ projects in Indian cities are reshaping state-citizen relations through local governance and urbanization processes. By bringing together the fields of sport management and urban studies, Devra’s research demonstrates that while many states are turning to ‘new city’ proposals to ‘futureproof’ cities from the interlinked crises of urbanization, population growth, and environmental (un)sustainability, many of these projects increasingly emphasize sport and leisure as central components to solving these problems.

What classes do you foresee teaching here at Florida State?

I’m really looking forward to teaching courses on sociocultural perspectives of sport management. At the undergraduate level, I would be excited courses about cross-cultural issues in sport, international sport, and sport ethics. At the graduate level, I’m also looking forward to teaching classes on qualitative research methodologies, and global issues of sport. Over time, I would be happy to develop some new courses on issues about sport and urbanization.

What was the topic of your dissertation and how did your dissertation serve as a launching pad for your current research focus?

My dissertation was focused on the emergence of a large-scale private township in the National Capital Region of India that was built around sport/leisure brands and identities. I was interested in learning more about how these futurist gated communities draw on long-sanding global capital and colonial networks, the ways they are imagined and produced by the state and private corporations, how land is made available for these developments, and how aesthetics and practices of sport and leisure are mobilized in the making of entirely new privatized communities.

My dissertation was a crucial jumping off point for my current research because while I was in India doing fieldwork, I learned of the government investing in and tying together sport and ‘new city’ projects in various visions of the urban future. In particular, I learned that the government had led acquisition of large swaths of land to develop what they termed to be 6 ‘sport cities’ in a different region of the National Capital Region called Noida that would act as completely integrated townships for a population of almost 1 million people. This huge infrastructural and social undertaking has been one of the main focuses of my work since finishing my PhD.

What are some of the current research projects that you are working on?

I’ve been following the ambitions and aftermaths of the building of these ‘sport cities’ in Noida. Through this project I’m looking to better understand how and why sport and leisure are linked to beliefs about environmental sustainability, idealized citizenship, and city making. I’m also attempting to situate the issues, politics, and outcomes of these urban projects in broader struggles over land and housing and competing ideas of ‘the future’ of the city.

What advice do you have for current doctoral students in our program?

I have two things I’d like to put on the table. First is to always have a sense of your ‘why’ – because knowing why you are researching what you are researching, and what your goals are within and beyond this program will be really helpful if you face difficult moments. It’s ok for this ‘why’ to change as you evolve over time and space, but having clarity on this will help you on the journey. Second is to have fun and also take breaks. Protect time away from work to rest, recover, and do some other things that bring you joy. Besides the fact that breaks often make our work better, we are all more than our work. ■

Dr. Anna Posbergh Assistant Professor

Anna Posbergh is a qualitative critical feminist scholar who examines the governance and regulation of women athletes and their bodies, particularly through policies and media representations. She received her Ph.D. in Kinesiology specializing in Physical Cultural Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2022. Her research interests focus on how the category and definition of “woman” (in sport as well as more broadly in society) is dynamic, contextual, and fluid, and draws from multiple scientific, sociocultural, and (geo) political forms of knowledge. Prior to FSU, she was a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Kinesiology, housed in the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota. For her work, she has received funding from several organizations such as the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, the American Association for University Women (AAUW), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the University of Maryland, and the Olympic Studies Centre.

What classes do you foresee teaching here at Florida State?

This fall I’ll be teaching SPM 4604 Sport Governance, but other courses that I think would be of interest are Diversity in Sport (SPM 4025), Ethics in Sport (SPM 4204), Sport in Society (4012), and Sport, Culture, and the Body (SPM 5055). I also would love to develop a doctoral seminar called “Technoscience in Sport and Physical Culture” that looks at theories and frameworks that attend to both the material and sociocultural realities of phenomena, bodies, and policies.

What was the topic of your dissertation and how did your dissertation serve as a launching pad for your current research focus?

Broadly, my dissertation examined how (different) definitions of “woman” manifest in malleable, contextual, and ever-changing understandings of “protection” in sports policies. To do so, I examined how multiple “protective policies” (a term that I coined) for women athletes are created and implemented in elite women’s

sports. I defined and consider “protective policies” to be regulatory documents that seek to ensure the safety and health of women, defend “fair competition” in women’s sports, and/or prevent women from violating social and medical boundaries that identify them as women. With this in mind, I specifically looked at World Athletics’ 2019 female eligibility policy, World Athletics’ 2019 transgender eligibility policy, and the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 2014 consensus statement on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) as all three seek to protect women, but adopt contrasting stances on the importance of sex differences. Using policy texts and semi-structured interviews with policy authors, scientists, and other relevant administrators, I found that protective policies are developed through contentious, messy, and complex processes that selectively draw from sociocultural and scientific knowledges to determine who qualifies as a “woman,” who is considered in need of “protection,” and how protection is enforced.

From this interest in the intersections of gender, science, policy, and sports, I then narrowed my research focus to trans athletes and policies, which have dominated political and cultural discussions, particularly in the US and UK. In this area of research, I examine the mobilization of science to undergird different approaches, stances, and beliefs around trans athlete and trans inclusion. Building on this, I also investigate if, how, and when science can, should, and does coexist with human rights, non-discrimination, and inclusion: dichotomous commitments that are often pitched as intractable within trans inclusion discussions.

What are some of the current research projects that you are working on?

I have three main projects at various stages right now. The first is my primary postdoc research, which I started at Minnesota and will continue at FSU, and looks at how scientific evidence is selectively and strategically chosen, interpreted, and incorporated into trans eligibility policies, particularly for elite and international sports. This is a multi-stage and multi-method project that examines several datasets, such as policies, media, scientific studies, and interviews. The second is an NSF-funded project that looks at how scientists, policymakers, and other relevant personnel involved with RED-S research or RED-S policies/guidelines identify bodies as (not) needing protection, and what types of solutions to RED-S are proposed. Lastly, I am collaborating on a media analysis that focuses on advertisements for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

What advice do you have for current doctoral students in our program?

Ask questions and/or ask for help, even if you think what you are asking is really basic or simple. Find something that brings you happiness or grounds you (e.g., running, taking walks, cooking, playing Pokémon Go) and make sure to carve out a little time for that thing every day. Sometimes saying “I don’t know” is more impactful and useful than pretending that you know the answer. Always know the “so what” of your research, to both yourself and to your audience, and make sure to write/indicate/relay that significance. Your CV will get you an interview, but who you know and how you present yourself will get you the job. In life, you’ll always be juggling balls, and some are glass and some are rubber; you’ll inevitably drop some balls, but make sure the ones you drop are rubber and not glass. ■

PUBLICATIONS FROM FACULTY

In April 2023, Dr. Michael Giardina co-edited the sixth edition of the SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. Spanning 800 pages and 34 chapters, the new edition represents a landmark work about the “discipline, practice, and conduct of qualitative inquiry.”

Dr. Jason Pappas and co-author Vratik Sharma—an alum of our masters program— recently published Masters of the Game: The Inspiring Chronicles of Sport Business Game Changers. Featuring dozens of interviews with leading sport executives, the 211-page book illustrates “characteristics of motivation, ingenuity, and determination essential to impacting the highly competitive sports industry.”

Dr. Hanhan Xue and Dr. James Du led a team of researchers exploring esports in a scholarly paper recently published in the International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal. By scraping data from almost 15,000 sources, the authors were able to “identify important social and economic attributes—including the distribution of prize rewards, resource assembly, and game genre—that may influence the outcomes of esports crowdfunding projects.”

Dr. N. David Pifer and two co-authors recently published an academic article in the Sport Management Education Journal. The scholarly paper sets forth the “procedures for designing and delivering an applied course in sport performance analytics.” The article is one of many published by Dr. Pifer in the burgeoning sports analytics area.