Jo Ann Buysse is a graduate faculty member in the School of Kinesiology, and an affiliated scholar with Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport in the College of Education and Human Development. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota with an emphasis in sport sociology. Dr. Buysse has served as the coordinator/director of the sport studies/sport management degree program since 1997. She also teaches core courses in sport sociology and ethics in addition to supervising student internships and serving as a faculty advisor.

As a graduate faculty member, Dr. Buysse teaches graduate courses on women in sport and leisure and global sport issues. She also serves as a committee member for graduate students in the School. As a sport media scholar, she has performed longitudinal research on the construction of gender in sport by analyzing photographs on NCAA Division I intercollegiate media guides. She is currently conducting media research on the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing. She is also known for her expertise on Title IX, leadership, and gender equity.

“As a sport scholar, former coach, athletic director and lifelong athlete, I have learned the value and significance of sport in our society and the benefits of sport and physical activity. I have also known the joy of participation and the thrill of competition. Competent sport managers are critical to the physical and emotional health of all who participate in sport. I enjoy the opportunity that I have at the University to engage students in the study of socio-cultural, ethical, and international issues related to sport and society. I also enjoy the opportunity to engage in critical thinking and discussion about how we might change sport in ways that enhance opportunities for positive growth and development of all individuals in socially responsible ways.”

Dr. Buysse also enjoys international perspectives on sport and has developed international opportunities for students on global sport issues. She supports the University goal of 50% of its undergraduate students having a learning abroad experience. International collaborations and program development have included faculty and sport professionals in in Greece, Sweden, Italy and New Zealand. She has developed and led learning abroad trips on global sport issues to Sweden, Finland, and Italy, and has an upcoming trip to Italy and Switzerland in May of 2009. Dr. Buysse also serves on the International Working Group for CE+HD and plans to continue developing international and global education opportunities for students.

Areas of specialization

sport sociology, sport media, gender equity, human rights

Research interests

media constructions of gender, global sport media, leadership

Academic degrees

• Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
  Kinesiology, emphasis:psycho-social aspects of sport
• M.S., Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
  Physical Education, emphasis: historical research
• B.S., Southwest State University, Marshall, MN
  Double Major: Physical Education and Health Licensure: Teaching and Coaching

Selected publications

LaVoi, N., Buysse, J., Maxwell,H. and Kane, M.J. (2007).The Influence of Occupational Status and Sex of Decision Maker on Media Representations in Intercollegiate Sports.  Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 14 (4), pp. 31-43.

Kane, M.J. & Buysse, J. M. (2005).  Intercollegiate media guides as contested terrain: A longitudinal analysis.  Sociology of Sport Journal, 22, 214-238

Buysse, J.M. (2006). Atalantan Distractions. Scholar & Feminist Journal Online, Summer Issue, 4.3; September.

Buysse, J.M. & Embser-Herbert, M. (2004). Media constructions of gender in sport: An analysis of NCAA Division I intercollegiate media guide cover photographs. Gender & Society,18 (1), 66-81

Current teaching

Kin/Rec 5511: Women in Sport and Leisure

Kin/Rec 5720: Global Sport Issues: Faculty led study abroad course

SMGT 3501: Sport in a Diverse Society

SMGT 3601: Ethics and Values in Sport

Honors and Awards

The Excellence in Academic Advising, University of MN

Alumni Achievement Award, Southwest Minnesota State University

Athletic Hall of Fame, Montana Tech of the University of Montana

Top Thirty Female Athlete Award, Southwest State University

Athletic Hall of Fame, Southwest State University

Full Vitae

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