The leader of Ohio University’s nationally-recognized sports administration program could be leaving for New York.
Ming Li, chairman of the Department of Sports Administration, is a finalist for dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance at Ithaca College. He traveled to Ithaca Wednesday and Thursday for an on-campus interview, according to a post on the college’s website.
Both Li and a representative from Ithaca College declined to comment on the search.
“We always try to help people who have a lot of talent progress in their careers, so I think he’s a wonderful candidate for that job,” OU’s College of Business Dean Hugh Sherman said. “They really were successful at setting a national reputation for sport management and he was able to build a major department.”
Li is also a professor in the sports administration department and makes $102,887.
The sports administration department joined the College of Business in 2010, and Li oversaw the move.
“He’s been just a wonderful colleague to work with and help make that transition successful,” Sherman said.
Li earned an education doctorate degree in sports administration from the University of Kansas in 1992, according to the College of Business’ website.
He taught at Georgia Southern University for 11 years before becoming acting associate dean of OU’s College of Health and Human Services in 2009. Li has authored several books and academic articles about sport management and sports marketing.
Li is giving a public presentation about the dean position at Ithaca College Thursday.
“It will be a loss for us if he moves on, but it is a wonderful opportunity for him,” said Becky Watts, chief of staff to OU President Roderick McDavis.
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