The largest international academic society for sport management has named UWindsor professor Jess Dixon this year’s recipient of its distinguished educator award.

The North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) has recognized Dr. Dixon for his “exceptional contributions to teaching and learning.” The award recognizes excellence in the classroom, innovation in course design and pedagogy, commitment to improving the quality of teaching and learning in the sport management discipline, and a commitment to one’s own professional development.

Dixon was nominated for the award by two students who had him as an advisor and worked for him as teaching assistants.

Laura Chittle, who completed her Master’s and PhD studies with Dixon, and Emily Stadder, a recent Master’s graduate, called him an “engaging and thoughtful teacher” who puts students at the centre of everything he does.

“We know he is not simply a gifted classroom teacher, but an exceptional supervisor,” they wrote in their nomination letter. “His energy is contagious, and he inspires his students to work hard, be passionate and take pride in their work.”

They noted the week-long field trip he organizes for graduate students in his Strategic Management course as an example of giving students the best experience possible. During the field trip, students meet with representatives of different sectors of the sport industry, including professional teams and non-profit sport organizations.

They credit Dixon with the success of former students who have gone on to become leaders in their professions.

Dixon said he was humbled by the recognition.

“Being nominated for this award by my students is an incredible honour,” he said. “I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by so many excellent teachers, student mentors, and curriculum developers in the Department of Kinesiology and broader field of sport management that push me to be better each and every day.”

Dixon has been a professor of sport management and leadership in the Faculty of Human Kinetics since 2006 and is currently the head of the Department of Kinesiology.

This marks the second time a professor from the faculty has won the award since its inception in 2008. The late Bob Boucher, a former dean of the Faculty of Human and Dixon’s Master’s thesis advisor, won the same award in 2011.

With about 800 members from around the globe, NASSM promotes research, scholarly writing, and professional development in the area of sport management.

Dixon will be celebrated at the NASSM annual conference in Minneapolis this spring.