Sport Knowledge Institute
Supporting research, events, and teaching on all things sport.
Our Mission
The Sport Knowledge Institute (SKI) is dedicated to the study of sport, devoting resources to nurture a student-centered intellectual environment that focuses on excellence in teaching, learning, and research. SKI supports programming across campus, interdisciplinary collaboration, and curricular development that strengthens the campus spirit and community while exploring the critical role of sport in society.
What We Do
Dr. Sam White's Youth and Sports class partnered with the White Plains Youth Bureau, bringing together academic insight and community engagement.
What We Do
The Spectators & Fans course created the Manhattanville University Sport Fan Oral History Project.
Visit the Oral History Collection
What We Do
National Endowment for the Humanities supported Sport Studies in the 21st Century: Amplifying the Latinx Experience in Curricula, Conversation, and Community grant.
Visit the Grant Archive
Sport Studies NEH Programming 2024-2025
Sport Studies received a prestigious grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to host programming showcasing leading scholars at the intersection of sport studies and Latinx studies. The first lecture featured Dr. Adrian Burgos from the University of Illinois who discussed the cultural impact of Latinos in American sports. The second featured Dr. Brenda Elsey from Hofstra University, who offered her insights on the intersection of sport, gender, and society in Latin America.
These events were made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Be sure to explore the NEH grant archive for more information—visit the Library’s dedicated page.
Adrian Burgos
Adrian Burgos, professor and author, was the first guest in Manhattanville’s Sport Studies Department Speaker-in-Residence Series on October 21, 2024 at Reid Castle. His insightful talk, “Latinos Play America’s Game(s): From the Barrios to the Big Leagues and Beyond,” explored the role of baseball in Latinx communities.
Brenda Elsey
Brenda Elsey, professor and author, was the second Speaker-in-Residence in the series on February 25, 2025 at Reid Castle. Her captivating marquee talk was titled "Losing to Win: Politics and Fútbol in the Americas."
Our Projects and Initiatives
Programs and Resources
Advisory Boards
External Advisory Board
Gabriella Beltrami, ’20, NBC Sports Group
Dr. Lawson Bowling, Emeritus Professor of History
Sheila Finnerty, ‘87, Vice Chair Board of Trustees
Dr. Brenda Elsey, Hofstra University, (Speaker-in-residence, Spring ’25)
Gina Hemphill-Strachan, Emmy-award-winning sports producer (Graduate Commencement Speaker, ‘24)
Toni Smith Thompson, ‘03, (Honorary Degree Recipient, ‘22)
Internal Advisory Board
Dr. Amy Bass, Professor of Sport Studies, Faculty Athletics Representative, Chair of Division of Social Sciences and Communication, Director of SKI (ex officio)
Christine Dehne, Provost
Dr. Rebecca Lafleur, Dean of School of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Brian Carolan, Dean of the School of Education
Julene Caulfield, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Recreation
Dr. David Gutman, Director of Interdisciplinary Programs
Iain Pollock, Director of MFA Program
Dr. Julie Higgins, Professor of Psychology
Dr. Seth Tannenbaum, Assistant Professor of Sport Studies
Sport Knowledge Institute Events and Lectures
Book Talk with Jane McManus, author of The Fast Track
INKWELL Reading Series: Mikael Awake
Contact Us
Sport Knowledge Institute
