Postdoctoral fellow to lead research on diversity in Canadian sport industry
The Ted Rogers School of Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Norman as a Postdoctoral Fellow, working directly with Dr. Cheri L. Bradish, Founder and Managing Director of the Future of Sport Lab (external link) – a lab for sport innovation and research supported by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE).
Dr. Norman’s research work will focus broadly on equity, diversity and inclusion in the Canadian sport industry, particularly focused on the lived experiences of those who identify as racialized persons – Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour (BIPOC) – and those who have been marginalized in sport.
As one of the first-of-its-kind post-doctoral projects in Canada, with a particular focus on the related leadership of the Canadian sport business industry, Dr. Norman will be supported and informed by an industry advisory board representing some of Canada’s leading sport organizations, partners and media properties. This includes support and collaboration with MLSE Launchpad - MLSE’s community-based organization where youth facing barriers can use sport to recognize and reach their potential.
“Dr. Norman is an emerging scholar who has led critical investigation and insights that have opened discussion toward a more inclusive sport industry,” said Dr. Bradish. “As our industry deals with the challenges and change, in particular as highlighted during the past year, Richard’s unique and innovative research work will help support positive change for the Canadian sport industry.”
Dr. Norman’s doctoral research at the University of Waterloo has explored the intertwining of “race,” whiteness and colonialism in sport and the deconstruction of dominance within sporting cultures. His research is committed to innovative approaches that can open dialogue towards a more humane and morally driven worldview.
He has presented at a number of leading academic outlets, including the North American Society for Sport Management and the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. He has also led related insight projects working with Sportsnet, Curling Canada and Tennis Canada. Dr. Norman currently sits on the Sports and Entertainment Committee of the BlackNorth Initiative, and is a Director on the Board of the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies.