MSU professor recounts history of American college sports in latest coauthored book
Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.51勛圖厙 State professor and administrator Eric Moyen explores the successes and challenges of American intercollegiate athletics in his latest coauthored book College Sports: A History.
Moyen is a professor of higher education leadership in MSUs College of Education and serves as the universitys assistant vice president for Student Success. Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, the book was the No. 1 new release in Amazons higher and continuing education category in November. It is coauthored by John Thelin, a University of Kentucky professor emeritus of the history of higher education and public policy. Moyen and Thelin will discuss their new book on Chicagos morning show on Friday, Jan. 17, at 9:15 a.m. CST.
The book details the history of college athletics from the mid-19th century to present and explains the symbiotic relationship between athletics and academic institutions. Moyen and Thelin tell of the successes and the challenges that have plagued college sports since its inception, setting a backdrop for understanding its current landscape. The book also chronicles how marginalized groups in athletics have been treated and the impact of the media and commercialization on the industry.
Many see college athletics as an aberration that doesnt fit in the university structure, Moyen said. But the more Dr. Thelin and I read and discussed it, we began to see college athletics is really important in defining a college's or a university's mission. Though it is a story of both success and excess, it actually mirrors how other aspects of higher education have changed over time, such as the installment of lazy rivers on campuses and luxury-style residence halls.
Given current issues facing college sports and its uncertain future, Moyen said the book is timely and sets the context for approaches to reform policy and a way forward that is beneficial to student athletes as well as academic institutions and their key constituents.
Moyen is a former doctoral student of Thelins and previously coauthored Changing the Game: My Career in Collegiate Sports Marketing with college business pioneer Jim Host. With a lifelong love for college athletics, Moyens interest in the topic was first sparked by a class he took of Thelins on higher education and athletics.
It has been a pleasure getting to work with my professor and mentor, as we first started discussing these issues literally a quarter of a century ago, Moyen said. Im very grateful it led to the opportunity to write this book together.
Moyen earned his bachelors degree from Taylor University in social studies education, masters degree in U.S. history from the University of Alabama and doctorate from the University of Kentucky in higher education.
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