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2020-04-22
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Anthony Arnone
Bob Schneider Named Distinguished Service Professor
The leader in sport management is the first SUNY Brockport professor in the last six years to earn appointment to the rank of Distinguished Professor.
Bob Schneider was appointed to the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by SUNY on March 18. Since starting at SUNY Brockport in 1997, he has made a long-lasting impact on not only Brockport’s Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education, but on sport management programs all over the world.
“One of the reasons I received this appointment was for my curricular impact on a global scale in the field of sport management,” Schneider said. “I have traveled to over 30 different countries to give presentations on how to start and integrate a sport management program.”
Schneider’s late mentor and colleague Bill Stier — who was also a member of the SUNY Distinguished Academy — helped shape the sport management program at Brockport. He played a key role in Schneider’s commitment to advancing the program as they worked together to transition it from a concentration to a major. The flexible curriculum they pushed forward incorporates study abroad, multiple practicum experience, and an intensive second program of study. This format has thrived at Brockport and has served as a model for other international institutions.
“Bob Schneider has played a significant role in expanding the field of sport management across the globe,” said Brockport President Heidi Macpherson. "Not many individuals have this reach. He has also played a significant role in developing Brockport’s program into an academic major, ensuring that his expertise benefits our local campus as well. We are grateful for his service to our academic community, and we are all proud to recognize him as a Distinguished Service Professor.”
Schneider is the first Brockport professor in six years to receive this prestigious appointment. He joins Distinguished Professor Georges Dicker, Distinguished Professor Bruce Leslie, Distinguished Service Professor Lauren Lieberman, and Distinguished Professor Sanford Miller as one of five current faculty members part of the SUNY Distinguished Academy. Schneider received over a hundred emails from his colleagues at Brockport and across the world congratulating him on his achievement, but he believes that it is important for him to avoid complacency moving forward.
“I try not to let awards and accolades influence me too much, but the sheer amount of support I got from this experience was humbling,” Schneider said. “I think it is important for me to stay grounded and continue to work toward my goal of spreading awareness of sport management at a collegiate level in all parts of the world.”
While Schneider continues expanding the awareness of sport management programs on an international scale, he also hopes to shape and mentor newer faculty at Brockport, so they can achieve their goals in higher education.
“This award helped me think about giving back to my colleagues and helping them achieve what they want to do,” Schneider said. “I have a lot of experience navigating higher education and I want to use that to help others.”
