When Jillian Broaddus spotted a campus flyer for a course entitled “Foundations of Sports Studies,” the third-year science, technology and culture major’s interest was piqued. And a short conversation with the class’ professor, Johnny Smith, confirmed she’d discovered a diamond in the rough.
Broaddus found the full sports spectrum laid out in front of her. The course gave an overview of sports history and an introduction to the sports industry, including management, economics, psychology and technology. Guest speakers included Frank Wren, general manager of the Atlanta Braves.
Foundations of Sports Studies, which Broaddus calls “undoubtedly the most unique and enjoyable class I have taken at Georgia Tech,” was one of 11 courses offered in the 2012-13 academic year as part of Tech’s first major step toward a full-fledged Sports, Society, and Technology program, said John L. Tone, associate dean of undergraduate studies for the Ivan Allen College.
The program came about after several Tech leaders recognized an opportunity to create something that didn’t exist anywhere else. Tone said other universities’ academic sports programs typically took one of three approaches: sports medicine, sports management or sports studies. With a more comprehensive approach, he thought, Tech could distinguish itself.
“It became clear to me, speaking to people around the world, that the program needed to [include liberal arts studies] plus science and engineering to make it a Georgia Tech program,” Tone said.
Smith, an assistant professor of history and one of two initial hires to develop the SST program, noted the prominent role science and technology now plays in major professional sports—highlighted by innovations like advanced safety technology and super-lightweight athletic gear, and the rise of sports analytics.
“It’s all about specialized training and thinking about sports in a way that they haven’t [been thought about] before,” Smith said.
The Ivan Allen College plans to introduce an SST minor in the coming year. The fledgling program has long been a dream of former Tech athletic director Homer Rice, namesake of the new Homer Rice Chair of Sports and Society.
Tone said the program is also looking to develop internships and capstone courses that will position students for job opportunities throughout the multibillion dollar sports industry. And while there is no timeline for developing a full SST major, neither Tone nor Smith are ruling it out.
“We have to create more awareness among the students, the faculty and staff, and our alumni,” Smith said. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that when people learn about this program, they get excited. We see this as a collaborative effort, and we hope other people will get excited and want to help.”
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