Doctoral program in Sport Administration Brochure
This is a concentration of the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development program.
Sport Management is a growing academic discipline, and our PhD is designed for those wishing to pursue a career as a college or university faculty member in Sport Management. The program has attracted students from around the world (United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Sweden, Germany) to study with the internationally recognized faculty. Our current faculty serve on multiple editorial boards, have authored or co-authored numerous sport management textbooks, and have a long history of engaging Ph.D. students in research.
While there is no typical Ph.D. student, candidates with previous work experience in the sport industry as well as a clear research focus are preferred. Sport industry experience is extremely helpful for Sport Management faculty members since our discipline is very hands-on and the students we teach will be preparing for jobs where they will be teaching future sport industry professionals.
We are proud to say that every student who graduated from our program is employed in a related academic or industry position. The job market is extremely competitive and students typically begin applying for jobs in the fall of their third year. Students who take advantage of the research, teaching, and service opportunities available to them while enrolled in the program have fared very well.
A Ph.D. program is by nature a research-oriented degree where students are actively engaged in research teams with faculty members and other doctoral students. Students will also submit proposals for presentations at national and international conferences and write for publications.
This program is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.
For more details about program curriculum, visit the Graduate Catalog.
Dr. Chris Greenwell, Professor, (502) 852-0555, chris.greenwell@louisville.edu
Keisha Branch
Suffolk, Virginia
Advisor:Dr. Meg Hancock and Dr. Ajhanai Keaton
Educational Background:
B.A., Psychology and Human Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
M.S., Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Sports Leadership, University of Kentucky
Teaching experience: Forthcoming
Research Area of Interest:
The minority professional and student-athlete experience within collegiate athletics
Spencer A. Cavan
Toronto, Canada
Advisor:Dr. Mary Hums
Educational Background:
B.A., Criminal Justice & Public Policy, University of Guelph
B.A., Political Science, University of Guelph
M.S., Sport and Recreation Leadership, James Madison University
Teaching experience:
SPAD 281-Teaching Assistant (Principles of Sport Administration)
SPAD 402-Teaching Assistant (Internship in Sport Administration)
SPAD 489 – Teaching Assistant (Legal Aspects of Sport)
Research Area of Interest: International Sport and Recreation, Sport for Development and Peace
Michael Clemons
Louisville, KY
Advisor: Dr. Chris Greenwell
Educational Background:
B.A., Spanish, Commerce, Language, & Culture, Georgetown College
M.S., Sport Administration, University of Louisville
Teaching experience: SPAD 383 (Sport Marketing), SPAD 404 (Financial Principles of Sport), SPAD 445 (Sport Communications), SPAD 561 (Special Topics: Kentucky Derby Logistics), SPAD 561 (Special Topics: Urban Bourbon Half Marathon), HSS 114 (Fitness Walking)
Research Area of Interest:
Endurance sport organizations and participation
Nicholas R. Kopka
Brookston, Indiana
Advisor: Dr. Mary Hums
Educational Background:
B.S., Sport Administration, Ball State University
MBA, Ohio University
Master of Sports Administration, Ohio University
Teaching experience: HSS 114 (Fitness Walking), SPAD 402 (Internship in Sport Administration), SPAD 525 (Sport Event Management), SPAD 490 (Sport Governance)
Teaching experience: Indiana State University Adjunct Professor - SPM 370 (Sport Tourism)
Research Area of Interest:
The societal and legacy impact of sport tourism and leveraging community assets to promote economic impact and quality of life.
Kayla Martinez
Albuquerque, NM
Advisor:Dr. Marcis Fennell and Dr. Evan Frederick
Educational Background:
B.S. Sport Management, Texas Southern University
M.S. Sport Administration, University of Louisville
Teaching experience: SPAD 383 (Sport Marketing), SPAD 489 (Legal Aspects of Sport), SPAD 382- Teaching Assistant (Sport Management and Leadership), HSS 136 (Soccer), SPAD 336- Digital development
Research Area of Interest:
College athlete development related to diversity, equity and inclusion
Jacob Owsley
Fort Mill, SC
Advisor:Dr. Chris Greenwell
Educational Background:
B.A., Exercise & Sport Science-Sport Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.B.A, Information Systems & Data Analytics Troy University
UofL Teaching Experience: Instructor for both in-person and online courses at the undergraduate and master's level including: HSS 150 (Racquet Sports), SPAD 281 (Principles of Sport Administration), SPAD 402 (Internships in Sport Administration), SPAD 404 (Financial Principles of Sport), SPAD 437 (Data and Analytics in Sport), and SPAD 604 (Sport Finance and Economics). 2023-2024 Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient.
Outside Teaching Experience: Adjunct Instructor (Current Issues in Sport) at Mount St Joseph University. Educational Support Professional (Sport Analytics & Sport Law) at Temple University.
Research Area of Interest:
The intersection of technology and sport ticketing.
Kevin R. Singer
Clearwater, Florida
Advisor: Dr. Moonsup Hyun
Educational Background:
B.S., Sport Management, University of Florida
M.S., Sport and Recreation Leadership, James Madison University
Teaching experience: HSS 114 – Fitness Walking
Research Area of Interest:
Sport Analytics
Erica Thompson
Chapel Hill, NC
Advisor: Dr. Meg Hancock
Educational Background:
B.S., Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
M.S., Sport Business, Temple University
Teaching experience: SPAD 402 (Internship in Sport Administration), SPAD 404 (Financial Principles of Sport)
Research Area of Interest:
Stigmas, barriers, perceptions, and facilitators of mental health in intercollegiate athletics.
Chad Workman
Thomasville, NC
Advisor: Dr. Meg Hancock
Educational Background:
B.S., Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
M.S., Exercise Physiology, University of Louisville
Teaching experience: Forthcoming
Research Area of Interest:
Organizational behavior and sport
The job market is extremely competitive and students typically begin applying for jobs in the fall of their third year. Students who take advantage of the research, teaching, and service opportunities available to them while enrolled in the program have fared very well in obtaining faculty and administrative positions. Currently, 100% of our graduates are employed in the field.
Funding opportunities for the program are limited and highly competitive, no different than at any other institution. Funding opportunities may take the form of a GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) in the SPAD program, the Health and Sport Sciences Department, the College of Education and Human Development, or other academic or service units on campus. Students may also be eligible for selected University Fellowships. There may be opportunities for PhD students to be paid to teach courses in the program. Student interested in loans or other financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid office at 502-852-5511, or visit the UofL Financial Aid website.
Dr. Chris Greenwell - chris.greenwell@louisville.edu
2. Do I need a master’s degree in sport administration to begin the Ph.D. program?Students come from a variety of educational backgrounds. To ensure students have sufficient mastery of the core content areas, students may be required to take graduate level courses in sport administration as part of their specialty component or elective component.
3. What is the timetable to complete a Ph.D.?Typically, it takes a full time student two (2) years to complete all of course-work in order to become eligible to take Comprehensive Exams. A dissertation typically requires 1-2 years of additional work. Students can finish the program in as little as three (3 years).
4. Are there opportunities for students to teach?Opportunities available to teach undergraduate and graduate SPAD classes. PhD students have taught undergraduate Principles of Sport Management, Sport Finance, Sport Marketing, Legal Aspects of Sport, and Sport Facility Management. On the Masters level, PhD students have taught Organizational Behavior and Research Methods courses.
5. The degree is actually a PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (ELOD). What does that mean?Many sport administration or sport management programs across the country are part of larger PhD programs. At the University of Louisville, ELOD is the umbrella degree for a variety of programs. This association allows us to utilizes the resources of the Educational Leadership program while still providing a comprehensive sport administration curriculum.
6. What sources of funding are available?Funding opportunities are limited and highly competitive, no different than at any other institution. Funding opportunities may take the form of a GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) in the SPAD program, the Health and Sport Sciences Department, the College of Education and Human Development, or other academic or service units on campus. Students may also be eligible for selected University Fellowships. There may be opportunities for PhD students to be paid to teach courses in the program. Student interested in loans or other financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid office at 502-852-5511, or visit the UofL Financial Aid website.