"The Evolution of a Critical Sport Scholar: (We/Me/Re)Search and The Pursuit of Positive Social Impact"

This lecture will highlight his scholarly journey from being a doctoral student in the Department of Kinesiology at UGA to becoming a New Balance endowed professor of Sport Leadership and Administration at UMass Boston. Dr. Joseph Cooper’s research interests focus on the intersection of sport, race, gender, culture, and education. From examining sport participation, identity development, and sociological patterns at the intercollegiate level to the youth, interscholastic, and professional levels, he has utilized a range of theories and methodological approaches to examine complex phenomena. During this time, his work has expanded from meso-level institutional analyses to broader societal examinations to global explorations of sporting practices, institutions, experiences, and outcomes. Key lessons learned and future directions for his research will be presented.

Reception to follow on the second floors patio after the Michael E. Penland Family Scholarships presentation.