Manhattanville Announces New Sports Knowledge Institute at Jane McManus Book Talk

PURCHASE, NY — September 18, 2025 — Manhattanville University today announced the launch of its new Sports Knowledge Institute (SKI), a hub for interdisciplinary study and research into the multifaceted world of sports.

The announcement was made by Provost Christine Dehne, who highlighted the institute's role in preparing students for careers in the rapidly evolving sports industry.

This new initiative expands upon the university's existing Sport Studies program and will provide students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development.

The launch event featured a conversation with sportswriter Jane McManus, whose new book, Fast Track, explores the growth of women’s sports and the economics of the industry.

“The Sports Knowledge Institute is a natural next step for Manhattanville, building on our strong foundation in the humanities and a commitment to providing relevant, impactful education,” said Provost Dehne. “Sports are a powerful force in our culture, and by approaching them through an academic lens, we can equip our students with the skills needed to be innovative leaders in this dynamic field. The institute will be a place where we not only study the game but also explore its profound influence on society.”

The Sports Knowledge Institute will be led by Dr. Amy Bass, Professor of Sport Studies and Chair of Social Science and Communication, an internationally recognized expert in the field. Guided by an advisory board with a broad range of expertise, SKI is firmly rooted in the successful ways that Manhattanville University takes sport seriously, particularly with its unique undergraduate Sport Studies major, as well as graduate programs in sport and the Valiants athletic teams.

“The recent grant that Sport Studies received from the National Endowment for the Humanities is a ringing endorsement of the work Manhattanville is doing. The institute is dedicated to nurturing a student-centered intellectual environment focused on excellence in teaching, learning, and research. SKI will also support programming across campus, particularly in terms of interdisciplinary collaboration, to strengthen campus spirit and community while elevating the visibility of sport at Manhattanville,’’ said Bass.

How the Sports Knowledge Institute Will Achieve its Mission

Through courses, public programming, degree tracks, and experiential learning, SKI will promote values-based critical thinking.

Aside from the game, the Sports Knowledge Institute will delve into the deeper societal impact of sports by looking at fundamental issues in sport and society, with a particular focus on equity, education, social justice, and ethical and moral leadership.

It will also support student-athletes in the classroom, on the field, and in the community while nurturing a thoughtful interest in sports for non-athlete students.

SKI will continue to host speakers like McManus. The school has already featured notable past speakers such as Adrian Burgos, Brenda Elsey, Katie Barnes, Frank Gudiry, and Marisa Igemi. Student-focused projects will include experiential learning opportunities like the Sports Fan Oral History Project and community partnerships with organizations like the White Plains Youth Bureau and Girls Inc.

The institute will collaborate with a variety of academic programs, including the BA in Sport Studies, a 4+1 pathway to an MS in Sport Business Management, a certificate in the Professional Tennis Management track, a 4+1 pathway to an MAT in Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, and minors in exercise science, nutrition, and sport performance & motivation.

"Our world is increasingly shaped by the narratives, business models, and cultural conversations that happen in and around sports," said President Frank D. Sanchez, Ph.D. "The Sports Knowledge Institute will provide a unique, interdisciplinary platform for our students to analyze these complex topics. Whether it's the role of media in shaping fan engagement or the historical context of athletic achievements, this institute will empower students to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the sports landscape.”

About Manhattanville University:

Manhattanville University (formerly Manhattanville College) is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social responsibility. For three years in a row, “U.S. News and World Report” has ranked Manhattanville the number one private, non-profit institution in New York among Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North. The university has been recognized among the best colleges in The Princeton Review for close to 20 years. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, Manhattanville enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its diverse student body. The university serves more than 1,400 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 44 countries and 33 states. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. Graduate students can choose from over 70 graduate and certificate programs. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and activities and 23 NCAA Division III teams.