SLS Research Publications
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This collection includes research publications authored by the faculty of the Department of Sport and Leadership Studies (formerly the Department of Sport Management).
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Item College sports communications: evolution of the field(Taylor and Francis, 2024-11-10) Stoldt, G. Clayton, 1962-Thousands of sport public relations professionals work in college athletics programs in athletics communications, media relations, or sports information. This chapter describes the history and status of this field, identifying key figures in its development and noting the establishment of a dedicated professional organization, now known as College Sports Communicators. Integrating both scholarly and industry research on the profession, the discussion continues with a focus on the responsibilities typically associated with college sports communications positions, including social and digital media. The benefits and challenges of such positions, such as the profession’s longstanding struggle to attain voice in leadership decision-making, are also discussed. The chapter also addresses how the college sports communications field is evolving in response to changes in communication technologies, the public relations profession, and college athletics. Particular attention is devoted to the evolution of integrated communications and the impact of name-image-likeness on the profession. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Paul M. Pedersen.Item Self-categorization and sport management students: Perceptions of industry and discipline by self-identified gender(Human Kinetics Publishers Inc., 2024-01-04) Ross Mike; Berry, Bobby D.; Vermillion, Mark C.Previous research has identified the saliency of gendered experiences in sport industry and educational settings. Drawing from self-categorization theory to better understand the impact of in- and out-group membership on experiences and perceptions, the purpose of this study was to examine college students’ perceptions of gender in both the sport industry and their sport management discipline. Data were collected from a sport management student population at a moderately sized, urban-serving university using an exploratory questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate results indicate statistically significant differences in perceptions of equality, fairness, and experiences between male and female sport management students. Results, which are in alignment with previous research, are discussed along with study limitations. © 2024 North American Society for Sport Management.Item Bridging curricular and co-curricular leadership development: The development of a student organization leadership minor(Association of Leadership Educators, 2024-07) Redger-Marquardt, Chelsea B.; Vermillion, Mark C.; Fonseca, GabrielThe paper focuses on the creation of a leadership minor that integrates Student Affairs activities with academic coursework. The authors highlight the importance of collaboration between Student Affairs and academic units to provide students with a structured path for leadership development. This minor includes a combination of required courses and electives designed to enhance students' leadership skills through both curricular and co-curricular experiences. The program targets student leaders such as those involved in student government, Greek life, and other campus organizations, offering them academic credit for their involvement. The paper discusses the framework for building the program, its alignment with high-impact educational practices, and the challenges faced in integrating leadership education across campus settings.Item Public relations in the sport industry(Human Kinetics, 2003) Stoldt, G. Clayton, 1962-; Pratt, Catherine; Jackson, JasonIn this chapter you will learn about three primary aspects of sport public relations. First, you will learn about communication in general -- the basi skills, the general framework, and the application of those concepts to public relations practice. Second, your will learn about the most common sport public relations jobs. These jobs are in media relations, community relations, and several other areas (Jackwski, 2000; Mullin, Hardy, & Sutton, 2000). The media relations section of the chapter will include a brief overview of the relatively unique relationship between sport and the mass media. The third area discussed in this chapter focuses on community relations in sport, and the fourth section considers other public relations positions in the industry. The fifth section examines the impact of communication technology on sport, specifically the practice of sport public relations. Finally, since understanding and appreciating socially responsible behavior is a bottom-line requirement for a successful career in sport public relations, each of the sections will highlight some relevant ethical issues involved in the practice.Item Public relations in the sport industry(Human Kinetics, 2007) Stoldt, G. Clayton, 1962-; Pratt, Catherine; Dittmore, Stephen W., 1968-Most of us who fantasized about a career in sport eventually realized that professional participation as an athlete was beyond our talents. This reality, however, did not necessarily diminish our interest in and enjoyment of sports, nor does it have to eliminate a career primarily focused on sport. Many of you might find a career in sport public relations both enjoyable and rewarding. Organized sport organizations, from small colleges to professional franchises, from YMCAs to the Olympics, need individuals who can help foster strong relationships between the organization and its most important publics (Cutlip, Center, & Broom, 1994). While in some ways public relations can be considered part of the job of every employee, a substantial number of sports administrators are employed specifically as public relations professionals. Their titles vary, but they usually include words such as media relations, community relations, information, publicity, or communication. public relations—An organizational function that fosters the development of positive relationships between the organization and its most important publics. publics—Groups of people who are affected in varied ways by an organization. In this chapter you will learn about three primary aspects of sport public relations. First, you will learn about communication in general—the basic skills, the general framework, and the application of those concepts to public relations practice. Second, you will learn about the most common sport public relations jobs. These jobs are in media relations, community relations, and several other areas (Jackowski, 2000; Mullin, Hardy, & Sutton, 2000; Stoldt, Dittmore, & Branvold, 2006).