The Sports and Society Institute Research Working Group welcomes School of Communication Assistant Professor Dominik Stecula for a presentation of his research, “How Firm Thy Friendship? Sports Fandom, Dormant Goodwill, and Trust in University Science.”
Public confidence in higher education has declined sharply, but universities continue to enjoy strong connections with millions of people through college sports. Stecula’s research examines whether the goodwill created through sports fandom — broad, bipartisan and particularly strong among audiences universities have struggled to reach — could provide an overlooked opportunity for rebuilding public trust in university science.
The presentation will explore the relationship between sports fandom, institutional affinity and trust, and consider whether the connection fans feel toward their universities can extend beyond athletics.
This event will be held via Zoom. To receive the Zoom invitation, please contact Sports and Society Institute Research Chair Chris Knoester.
