Digital Commons Network^™

Bridging Communities Through Sport: A Social Work Study On Refugees Teaching Cricket To American Citizens, Nafees Alam

Social Work Faculty Publications

This qualitative study explores the psychosocial and communal impacts of a reciprocal integration initiative where refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia taught cricket to Americans in New York City, New York and Boise, Idaho (2022–2024). Grounded in Erikson's psychosocial theory and Bandura's self-efficacy framework, the study examines how sport fosters dignity, self-determination, and cross-cultural cohesion. This study recruited 15 refugee coaches and 30 American learners using qualitative methods through interviews, focus groups, and observations. Findings reveal refugee coaches gained self-worth and resolved Eriksonian conflicts, while 78% of American learners reported reduced stereotypes. Cricket fostered social capital, transforming public parks into …

Reimagining Civic Readiness: Middle School Teachers’ Definition And Perceptions Of The Importance Of Civic Readiness, Razak K. Dwomoh

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

This article examines how middle school social studies teachers define “civic readiness,” how teacher motivation shapes civics instruction, and why middle-level civics is integral to engaged citizenship. The paper presents teachers as “curricular instructional gatekeepers” and argues that civic readiness (preparedness/willingness) differs significantly from civic competence (mastery) in terms of meaning, scope, and outcomes, proposing a four-staged pathway from readiness to engagement, then development, and finally to competence. It further provides an overview of three interrelated concepts (academic readiness, college readiness, and career readiness) to juxtapose civic readiness within the larger literary discourse. The …

Perceived Authority Of Ai-Generated Videos And Consumer Vulnerability, Kungpo Paul Tao

AMTP Proceedings 2026

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social media has transformed how consumers watch, interpret, and engage with video content. While AI-driven personalization enhances engagement, the growing realism of AI-generated videos blurs the boundary between authentic and fabricated content, increasing consumer vulnerability. This study examines how creativity influences consumer attention, interpretation, and interaction with AI-generated videos, and how it moderates the relationship between perceived authority and consumer engagement. Using secondary data collected from YouTube, the study analyzes publicly available AI-generated videos and user responses, including engagement metrics and comment-based sentiment indicators. The findings reveal that most consumers struggle to …

2026 April, Morehead State University. Office Of Communications & Marketing.

Morehead State Press Release Archive, 1961 to the Present

Press releases for April of 2026.

Unpacking Virtual Influencer Persuasiveness: Effects Of Social Attributes, Self-Congruence, And Attachment On Brand Attitude And Purchase Intention, You Jin Song, Sejung Marina Choi

Asia Marketing Journal

As virtual influencers (VIs) increasingly function as prominent intermediaries in brand–consumer interactions, there is a critical need for systematic investigation into their impact on consumer behavior. This study empirically explores how specific attributes of VIs—competence, warmth, and eeriness—shape consumer perceptions, attachment, and brand engagement. Results indicate that competence and warmth significantly enhance VI attractiveness, whereas eeriness diminishes attractiveness and weakens consumer responses. Furthermore, attractiveness emerges as a primary determinant of consumer attachment to VIs, with actual self-congruence acting as a moderator that reduces this attachment. Notably, stronger consumer attachment fosters more positive brand attitudes, which subsequently elevate purchase intention. These …

College Football Free Agency: The Transactional Nature Of Big-Time College Football Recruiting, Chris Corr, Branden Johnson, Amanda L. Paule-Koba

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This study explored how the transfer portal has transformed college football recruiting by disrupting traditional relationship-based practices and accelerating the shift toward a transactional performance-driven model. Drawing on Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, field, and capital, the research examines how recruiting coordinators navigate evolving pressures around talent acquisition, NIL compensation, and compressed recruiting timelines. Findings from comprehensive interviews with five Power-4 recruiting personnel reveal that relationships are increasingly leveraged for short-term gain. The findings of this study indicate the transfer portal has created an opaque high-stakes marketplace where trust is limited, valuation is speculative, and institutional pedigree/resources heavily influence opportunities. The …

An Exploration Of College Athletes' Action To Change The Eyes Of Texas. A Chronological Case Study, Charles Macaulay, Jessica K. Brougham, Christopher M. Mcleod, Ajhanai C. Keaton

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This study presents a chronological case study exploring the University of Texas Austin wherein a broad coalition of students, college athletes, marching band members and others from the UT community engaged in several forms of activism challenging the university to address racial inequities. Unlike other sport organizations that swiftly supported activist efforts, the University of Texas serves as a case where leadership attempted to uphold the status quo and stifle dissent. Thus, this manuscript explores the oscillating dynamic between sport activism and organizational responses when a broad coalition of actors, lacking status, influence, and power, engage in continued efforts to …

Marketing Collegiate Women’S Sports In A Shifting Landscape: Opportunities And Obstacles, Liz Sattler Dr., Eric Kramer, Micaela Bradley

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This research explores the promotion of women’s sports programs across Division I athletic departments by specifically looking at the strategies, barriers, and opportunities identified by practitioners. Interest in women’s sports is growing, in large part thanks to popular women athletes such as Caitlin Clark, Juju Watkins, and Olivia Dunne. Despite that growing interest and investment in women’s sports globally, women collegiate athletes still face significant disparities in funding, media coverage, and overall promotion compared to their counterparts who are men. The industry faces a unique pivot point with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the pending implications …

Evaluation Of Turkish Hearths From A Sporting Perspective: Construction Of National Identity In Geographical Regions, Alpay Aydoğdu, Merve Güney, Hacı Ali Çakici, Burkay Cevahiṙ Ciȯ Ğ

Khazar Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Turkish Hearths played an important role in the institutionalisation of Turkish nationalism in the final years of the Ottoman Empire and the early years of the Republic. The process began with the establishment of the Turkish Association in 1908, the Turkish Homeland Society in 1911, and the Turkish Power Society in 1913, and was strengthened with the establishment of the Turkish Ocağı. Turkish Hearths focused on sports activities with the aim of supporting the physical and mental development of Turkish youth, reviving national consciousness, and ensuring social unity. Sports branches operating in seven geographical regions promoted sports suitable for the …

Offside Trap: African Football As A Mirror Of Global Structural Inequality, Ellen Busolo Milimu

Journal of Global South Sport Studies

Football in Africa, as a legacy of European colonialism, is undeniable. The export of football through colonization resulted in the popularization of the sport while also creating a system of economic exploitation and impoverishment that is the cause of considerable problems for African society. This economic system positioned African  countries as dependents of former colonizers even after achieving independence. Sports, specifically football, provide a unique perspective to explore the no-win     situation in which Africa exists within the global economic system. Always chasing the elusive ‘development’ goal that is dictated by others and shifts without the interests of African countries. The …

How The States And The Ncaa Are Changing The Landscape Of Collegiate Name, Image, And Likeness Compensation, Carly Sirota

Denver Sports & Entertainment Law Journal

This Comment evaluates the recently enacted laws in California and Colorado which require universities in those states to allow student-athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, or likeness. When California first introduced this legislation, there was intense pushback from many in the intercollegiate community. However, less than a year after the bill was enacted, the NCAA’s Board of Governors has committed to changing their bylaws in compliance with the law. The Comment discusses some legal implications of the law for many student-athletes, especially female student-athletes, and how the NCAA should go beyond pay-to-play law compliance to create an equal …

Vol. 24, No. 1: Full Issue, University Of Denver Sports & Entertainment Law Journal

Denver Sports & Entertainment Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Right Way To Pay Intercollegiate Student-Athletes: A Legal Risk Analysis, Ian K. Schumaker, Leeann M. Lower-Hoppe

Denver Sports & Entertainment Law Journal

“How should student-athletes get paid?” This is the next big question in the intercollegiate sport industry. While the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) fights relentlessly to protect the amateurism of intercollegiate athletics, public pressure continues to mount for establishing a method of paying student-athletes beyond scholarships and educational expenses. There are two compensation methods frequently discussed by the media, fans and practitioners in the industry: 1) compensating student-athletes through the university, or 2) compensating student-athletes through their name, image and likeness (NIL).

Method I gives rise to legal issues pertaining to Title IX, Fair Labor Standards Act, worker’s compensation, vicarious …

Work-Life Balance (Wlb): Findings From Educators, Tena B. Crews, Tiffany M. Bordonada, Kelly Wilkinson

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

Educators responded to a Work-Life Balance (WLB) survey which included the categories of workplace, wellness, self, and family. Survey results were analyzed using factor analysis and Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient. Females were more committed to work responsibilities, stressed about their workplace, and better at setting priorities. Males experienced more stress related disorders. A positive correlation resulted between wellness and workplace balance. Findings also indicated that administrators' behaviors appear to have a positive impact on educators' abilities to balance work responsibilities and personal lives.

Science Teaching Self-Efficacy: Experiential Learning For Middle Level Preservice Teachers, Michiko Mcclary, Hershell N. Proctor-Walden, Nathan Chaplin Iii

Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina

The study aim was to determine whether participation in an experiential learning activity had an impact on preservice teachers' science teaching self-efficacy. Four preservice middle level mathematics and science teachers attending a small, private, four-year liberal arts, historically black college or university participated in the study. They attended a one-week STEM institute facilitated by subject matter experts to investigate and practice STEM pedagogical strategies. We used a mixed-methods design incorporating quantitative (pre-post survey comparisons) and qualitative data (reflection essays and a focus group) to examine the impact of participating in an experiential learning activity on preservice teachers' preparation to teach …

Mcgovern ’26 Attends Invite-Only Nfl Women's Forum, Keith Testa

UNH Today Archive

No abstract provided.

From Field To Marketplace: Nil, Identity Dynamics, And Well-Being Among College Athletes, Kathryn Heinze, Landy D. Lu, Hairou Ren, Sara Soderstom

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The rapid expansion of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities has reshaped the U.S. college sport landscape, yet limited research has examined how NIL engagement affects athlete identity and well-being. This study investigates the relationships among NIL engagement, identity salience, and stress. Survey data were collected from 351 Division I athletes across four major conferences. Regression analyses indicated that greater NIL commitment was associated with heightened athlete identity salience and increased NIL-related stress. NIL satisfaction emerged as a protective factor, predicting lower stress, whereas perceptions of fairness were not significantly related to stress. Brief open-ended survey responses provided explanatory context, …

An Analysis Of Esports Consumption Among Esports Viewers In Metro Manila, Amiel S. Tongco, Charles David S. Siao, Bryce Nathan S. Chicombing, Hugh Lawrence Chua Ang, Liandro Antonio Tabora

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

The rise of esports has transformed the entertainment scene, captivating gamers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. As competitive esports cement their place in mainstream entertainment, understanding why and how esports have become what it is today is important. This research investigates the different motivational factors driving esports consumption in Metro Manila, Philippines. A qualitative approach was used in the study, where N=58 participants were selected through random sampling. This study utilized the MSES questionnaire to evaluate the primary motivational factors influencing esports engagement, providing preliminary insights into the impact of influential factors on consumer motivation in the rapidly growing esports …

Pull Factors Of College Selection: The Role Of Club Sports In Student Enrollment Decisions, Brett A. Anderson, Sean Seiler, Thomas Baker

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The relationship between club sports in intercollegiate athletics and their influence on student recruitment and retention remains underexplored within the broader participatory sport ecosystem. Guided by push–pull models of college selection, this study examines whether the availability of club sports functions as a meaningful pull factor in students’ decisions to enroll in and remain at an institution. Survey data were collected from 151 current undergraduate and graduate club sport athletes across the United States. Exploratory factor analysis identified a distinct Club Sports factor, demonstrating strong construct validity and internal consistency. Multiple regression analyses revealed that club sport availability was a …

From Tiktok To Transcendence: Reclaiming Focus Through Contemplative Education, Araceli Gordus Huizar

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

In an era shaped by the attention economy and digital technology, students in higher education navigate constant stimulation that fragments attention, increases stress, and challenges emotional regulation. Research in psychology and neuroscience suggests that chronic exposure to social media, AI tools, and multitasking environments contributes to divided attention and diminished cognitive performance. While institutional responses, such as phone bans, attempt to manage distraction, they often fail to cultivate the internal capacities necessary for sustained focus and meaningful learning.

This paper argues that contemplative education--grounded in Buddhist and Hindu contemplative traditions and informed by humanistic psychology and contemporary mindfulness-based interventions--offers a …

Meaningful Ways To Incorporate Ai In Higher Education: Purpose Driven Opportunities, Jung-Hwan Kim Ph.D.

AI Day 2026

• Artificial intelligence (AI) presents both significant challenges and important opportunities in higher education.

• There is little doubt that AI offers meaningful benefits by supporting learning and helping students develop practical knowledge and skills. However, the rapidly expanding capabilities of AI, along with concerns about its use in academic work, have made many faculty members hesitant to integrate it into their courses. As a result, some instructors have adopted restrictive classroom policies.

• Rather than focusing primarily on prohibition or reluctance, educators should explore meaningful ways to integrate AI into teaching and learning. This approach can:

º Allow faculty …

International College Athletes’ Perceptions Of Nil And Its Impact On Their Experiences: A Theory Of Capital Approach., Jessica K. Brougham, Rebecca M. Achen

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

The name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy altered the landscape of college sports and provided college athletes with new opportunities to monetize their talents and personal brands. However, while the NCAA stated that all athletes would be able to participate in NIL deals and be compensated for the use of their NIL, international college athletes (ICAs) soon discovered they were restricted from participation while located in the U.S., due to their student visa status. Through nine semi-structured interviews of current and former ICAs we identified themes related to Bourdieu’s theory of social capital and Bauder’s theory of citizenship capital that …

Doc 2026-14 Suspension Of Health And Wellness Major And Deactivation Of Concentrations In Community Health And Health And Fitness, University Of Dayton. School Of Education And Health Sciences

Senate Documents

The program has had low enrollment over the past three years. Curriculum in this pathway serves as electives or core requirements for the Health Science Major. By suspending the program faculty resources can be diverted to support the demand and growth in the health science major and nursing.

March 2026 Graduate Council Minutes, University Of Nebraska At Kearney Graduate Council

Graduate Council Minutes

No abstract provided.

Executive And Managerial Insights Into Developing, Launching And Operating An Expansion Sport Franchise, Cole G. Armstrong, Timothy Kellison

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to investigate the organisational development processes used by the National Hockey League’s most recent expansion club, the Seattle Kraken, during their launch and early operational phases. This paper specifically focuses on the organisational development processes used by upstart sport franchises during periods of environmental turbulence. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with seven Seattle Kraken executives and managers involved in the organisation’s development, launch and subsequent operations during the franchise’s first several seasons. Participants included individuals from various functional areas. The empirical material was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify …

Asiaconnect Newsletter, March 11, 2026, Asiaconnect, Illinois State University

AsiaConnect

No abstract provided.

Nascar's Transformation From Regional Pastime To National Spectacle, 1990 To 2004, Brett James

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

NASCAR, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, experienced a rapid rise in popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s. Although the sport originated in the postwar southeastern United States and initially drew a largely regional fan base, by the late-1990s it enjoyed a national following and expanded its race schedule across the country. During this period, NASCAR underwent significant changes that affected nearly every aspect of the sport, including its drivers, manufacturers, and the format determining the season champion. Led by the France family, the sport’s owners since its inception in 1948, the industry pursued these changes in …

Building Competence And Confidence Through Experiential Learning: A Case Study Of The Bengal Triathlon, Caroline E. Faure Edd; Atc

The COSMA Journal

This descriptive case study examines the perceived effectiveness of the Bengal Triathlon, an experiential learning (EL) activity integrated into a sport management course at Idaho State University. Drawing on student reflections over three years, the study highlights how this experience enhanced students’ confidence and skills in planning and managing sport events, particularly in high-pressure areas such as risk management, event logistics, and customer service. Despite participation being a course requirement, a noticeable shift in student attitudes was observed. Students moved from seeing the event as a mandatory task to taking full ownership, driven by increased motivation and enjoyment. This case …

Rupturing The Sport Management Classroom: Zine-Making For World-Making, Roc Rochon, Chen Chen

Sport Management Collection

The on-going COVID-19 pandemic (and the pandemic of capitalism, white supremacy, imperialism, and colonialism, etc.) calls for imaginative, relevant, and critical approaches in sport management education to address diverse, socially, and culturally dynamic students. Yet the bulk of existing educational resources remain rooted in reinforcing systems of domination and the structure of on-going settler colonialism (Chen & Mason, 2019; hooks, 1994). A major challenge in traditional approaches to “updating” the curriculum fall short in challenging the banking mode of education (Freire, 1970). Following Amis and Silk’s (2005) call for a “rupture” of the reproduction of the status quo within sport …

Examining Factors Associated With Higher Percentages Of Women In Executive Leadership Positions In College Sport, Kelly Jean Brock

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The underrepresentation of women in executive leadership roles within intercollegiate athletics remains a persistent issue despite decades of progress in gender equity following the passage of Title IX. The purpose of this study was to examine the institutional and organizational factors associated with higher percentages of women in executive leadership positions within NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) athletic departments. Specifically, this research investigated whether institutional characteristics, such as athletic department budget size, the gender of the athletic director, the gender of the university president or chancellor, and institutional commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion were associated with the …