Thomas Sawyer, professor of recreation and sport management, and physical education at Indiana State University, has received the 2008 Sport Management Outstanding Achievement Award from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, or NASPE.
The award annually recognizes one professional who has made outstanding contributions and provided leadership in the field of sport management.
Sawyer has authored more than 170 articles published in professional journals; and has written, co-authored or edited 12 textbooks and more than 30 book chapters in sport management and facility design. He is the current editor of the internationally known “Facility Design and Management†book produced by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
The award was presented in April at NASPE’s annual conference in Fort Worth, Texas, where Sawyer was recognized for his significant contributions to developing and maintaining sport management as a field of study and practice; encouraging equity and diversity in the sport management profession; and furthering the development of the field of sport management through research, professional development, writing, speaking and involvement in professional organizations.
Sawyer was responsible for the development of ISU’s graduate sport management program and later, the undergraduate program. These programs are the only programs in Indiana approved by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and the North American Society for Sport Management.
Sawyer, originally from Norwich, NY, received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College in Massachusetts; and his doctor of education degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
NASPE is one of five national associations in the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. Its members include K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, researchers; and college/university faculty who prepare physical activity professionals.
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PHOTO: Thomas Sawyer
CONTACT: Tom Sawyer, professor of recreation and sport management, and physical education, Indiana State University, 812-237-2645 or tsawyer2@isugw.indstate.edu
WRITER: Katie Spanuello, media relations assistant director, Indiana State University, 812-237-3790 or kspanuello@isugw.indstate.edu