SSI is excited to welcome Dr. Leeann Lower-Hoppe and Dr. Kwame Agyemang as new faculty affiliates. 

The designation recognizes persons who conduct outstanding sports and society research, teaching, and/or service and who are willing to commit to helping SSI develop and grow as a community of scholars who elevate sports and society inquiries, discussions, and actions to promote positive change, research chair Dr. Chris Knoester said.

Dr. Leeann Lower-Hope is an associate professor of sport management at Ohio State and has been conducting research on the use of sport for development in society.

“What has impressed me about SSI is that they are addressing emerging, pressing social issues in our field and they are addressing these issues through an interdisciplinary lens,” Lower-Hoppe said.

Her work has been supported by SSI in the past and she has also been a frequent supporter of SSI events.

“We are excited to formalize our relationship with her and look forward to her more active contributions to SSI, moving forward,” Knoester said.

Agyemang is an associate professor of sport management at Ohio State and is a leading scholar who specializes in diversity and inclusion in sport management and society. 

He has made contributions to SSI in the past with his participation as a panelist in our “Intersectionality for Change” series.

“I was drawn to SSI’s goal of understanding the role sports and athletics play in the economy and society,” Agyemang said. “I am most looking forward to meeting and collaborating with other SSI faculty affiliates and adding value to what is already an amazing initiative.”

SSI faculty affiliates are valued members of The Ohio State University Sports and Society Initiative community.

“The SSI at Ohio State continues to make impressive strides in supporting and recognizing inquiries and discussions about meaningful sports and society issues-- that can then lead to important actions,” Knoester said. “The additions of Dr. Agyemang and Dr. Lower-Hoppe to our "team" help us further these important goals.”