Faculty Spotlight: Dr. David Kelley’s Innovation and Impact in Sport Leadership

At the University of Cincinnati, our faculty shape our academic programs and inspire our students to lead with purpose. Among these distinguished educators, Dr. David Kelley stands out as a transformative figure in the field of sport administration. His work spans decades of teaching, program development, scholarship, and mentorship.

Whether in the classroom, online, or in the field, Dr. Kelley approaches his work with three core principles in mind: relentless innovation, real-world impact, and unwavering support for the next generation of sport leaders.

A Visionary in Sport Education

As a foundational force in the development of UC’s online Master of Science in Sport Administration program, Dr. Kelley helped establish it as one of the most respected programs in the country. By playing a key role in curriculum design, he helped blend academic rigor with practical application. Through this approach, the program attracts more than 500 students across undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dr. Kelley’s teaching philosophy focuses on experiential learning. Because he believes that students learn best when they are immersed in real-world challenge, his courses mirror the complexities of the sport industry. His courses on Sport Finance and Development and Economics of Sport, for example, simulate the financial and operational decisions that sport executives face daily. Additionally, students aren’t just learning theory. Through applying what they learn, students become prepared for leadership roles in professional, collegiate, and community sport organizations.

Through his graduate-level course, Applied Financial Management Strategies in Athletics, Dr. Kelley’s philosophy also shines through. In this course, students work directly with partner schools and institutions to write real grant proposals. While these projects provide students with hands-on experience in financial strategy and fundraising, they also deliver tangible benefits to the community. In this way, Dr. Kelley’s work bridges the gap between academia and industry while also fostering civic engagement.

Pioneering Online Sport Education

Dr. Kelley’s influence extends beyond the traditional classroom. As the architect of the sports administration master’s program (MSSA), he’s helped redefined what it means to deliver high-quality sport education in a digital format. Under his leadership, the MSSA program has become a national model for excellence in online learning—combining flexibility with academic depth and industry relevance.

The MSSA program allows working professionals to advance their careers without putting them on hold. Through a carefully curated curriculum, students engage with interactive modules and collaborate with peers and faculty. Additionally, they gain access to a network of sport industry professionals. Dr. Kelley’s commitment to innovation ensures that the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of the field. His courses incorporate a variety of topics, such as:

• NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policy
• Sport analytics
• Digital fan engagement

Dr. Kelley’s carefully cultivated mentorship culture sets the MSSA program apart. Students aren’t just enrolled in courses; they’re welcomed into a community of learners and leaders who support one another’s growth. When asked what factors fostered their success, students and alumni consistently agree: Dr. Kelley’s accessibility, guidance, and encouragement made a difference in their education.

Scholar, Author, Mentor

While Dr. Kelley is a gifted educator, he’s also a prolific scholar and thought leader. Through his research and publications, he contributes significantly to the field of sport management, particularly in the areas of sport finance and fundraising. His most recent book, Internship Playbook: Skills and Strategies for Sport Industry Success, is a practical guide that helps students navigate the often complex world of internships. It reflects his deep understanding of the sport industry and his commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers. He was also recently honored with a certificate of recognition from Ohio University’s College of Business, his alma mater.

Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Kelley prioritizes unwavering mentorship. He takes a personal interest in the success of his students, connecting them with internships, job opportunities, and professional networks. In fact, his mentorship doesn’t end at graduation. Many alumni continue to seek his advice and support as they advance in their careers.

Additionally, Dr. Kelley makes an impact through his work with professional organizations. As a Certified Master Athletic Administrator, he has collaborated with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) to develop online certification-aligned coursework. His efforts elevate the standards of sport administration education on a national level.

A Relentless Force for Good

Dr. Kelley’s career illustrates what happens when passion meets purpose. He doesn’t just teach sport administration—he lives it, breathes it, and continuously redefines it. His relentless drive to innovate, his deep ties to the sport industry, and his genuine care for students make him a cornerstone of the University of Cincinnati’s legacy in sport leadership.

His work exemplifies the university’s mission to empower students to make a difference in their communities and professions. Through his courses, mentorship, and scholarship, Dr. Kelley has helped launch the careers of hundreds of sport professionals who now lead in organizations across the country and around the world.

The sport industry continues to evolve. New challenges and new opportunities emerge in areas like digital transformation, athlete advocacy, and global expansion. However, one thing remains certain: Dr. David Kelley will be there, leading, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of Bearcats to rise to the challenge!

Interested in Sport Administration at UC? Contact Us Today and Learn More!

As an esteemed member of our Sport Administration faculty, Dr. Kelley makes an impact on the lives of his students and the sports industry as a whole. If you’re interested in making an impact, too, then a Master of Science in Sport Administration may be your perfect next step! Through UC’s 100% online program, you can learn from Dr. Kelley and others as you take your sport administration career to the next level.

Still have questions? Contact an Enrollment Advisor today! UC’s dedicated online staff is here to guide you.