The Sports and Society Initiative has been elevated to the Sports and Society Institute under The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences, marking a significant new chapter for one of the university’s leading interdisciplinary efforts focused on the role of sports in education, research, careers and community impact.

Effective July 1, the new institute designation reflects SSI’s growth, expanding reach and deepening commitment to connecting students, faculty, staff, alumni, athletics leaders and industry partners around the power of sport.

The move also builds on the original vision that launched SSI. Jan Box-Steffensmeier, then Ohio State’s dean of social and behavioral sciences, posed a transformative question: Since the university is ranked No. 1 in athletics, shouldn’t it also lead in academics and research about athletics?

To pursue that vision, she partnered with renowned sports-focused economics professors Trevon Logan and Lucia Dunn to establish the Ohio State Sports and Society Initiative. Over time, SSI grew into a cross-disciplinary, collaborative effort designed to deepen understanding of society through its intersection with sports.

“Sports touch and shape the lives of so many people, no matter their level of competition,” said Nicole Kraft, director of the Sports and Society Institute and professor of practice in the School of Communication. “Our goal is to build a stronger understanding of the connection between sports and society and how that influence extends far beyond any game or season.”

SSI brings together faculty from across Ohio State, including sociology, economics, sports industry, sports medicine, social work and communication. It also works closely with key partners, including Ohio State Athletics, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and the Columbus Sports Commission. The institute’s advisory board includes Ohio State alumni and leaders throughout the sports industry.

As part of this next phase, SSI is also strengthening its leadership and support team. Mira Marshall has been elevated to serve as SSI administrator at a 50% appointment, supporting the institute’s operations, programming and student engagement. Ryan Ruddy has been renewed as assistant director, continuing his work with research, student mentorship and institute programming. Tim Miller is joining SSI as strategic communications coordinator, helping tell the stories of SSI’s impact and expand its visibility across campus and beyond.

The institute’s work will continue to focus on three core areas: fostering sports-related research, offering public programming on issues at the intersection of sports and society and expanding career-readiness opportunities for students.

That work will grow in the 2026-27 academic year with the launch of new student-centered programming, including year-long career preparation and readiness opportunities for students seeking jobs and internships in sports. SSI will also introduce the Foundations Cohort, a competitive program designed to help students build connections, develop professional skills, and engage deeply with the institute throughout the year.

The Sports and Society Institute will also offer another strong slate of public programming, research conversations, career events and student opportunities focused on topics including sports media, leadership, data, athlete mental health, youth sports, equity, law, business and the broader cultural impact of sports.

“SSI is an extraordinary opportunity for the athletic expertise at and around Ohio State to come together on topics that transcend any field or court of play,” Kraft said. “Our goal is to help society better understand the complex issues that define the role of sports in our lives.”

As SSI moves from initiative to institute, its mission remains clear: to use sports as a powerful platform for learning, connection and impact.

Students, faculty, alumni, partners and community members are encouraged to visit the Sports and Society Institute website throughout the year to learn more about upcoming events, student opportunities, research initiatives and ways to get involved.

For more information about the Ohio State Sports and Society Institute, please email sportssociety@osu.edu.