Lawrence-benedict, Heather

Biography

Dr. Heather Lawrence is an Associate Professor of Sports Administration, Academic Director of Graduate Programs, and Robert H. Freeman Professor of Business in the College of Business at Ohio University. While previously serving as Director of the Professional Masters in Sports Administration program, the program earned the #1 Worldwide ranking by SportBusiness International in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Heather earned her Ph.D. from the University of Florida, and also received Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Florida. Prior to beginning her academic career, Dr. Lawrence worked in various administrative positions within intercollegiate athletics at Southeastern Louisiana University and the University of Florida. Her sport industry responsibilities have included working in NCAA compliance, facility management, construction/renovation management, general administration, event operations, and as a sport supervisor. Dr. Lawrence teaches in the areas of Event and Facility and Event Management, Diversity and Sport, and supervises student consulting projects. She has also served as a visiting professor at Instituto de Empressa in Spain, taught in the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership in Dubai and at UPG in India as part of the Certification in International Sport Management, as well as served as a guest at Beijing Sport University. Heather has received numerous teaching awards including the University Professor Award at Ohio University and the Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Business at Instituto de Empressa. Dr. Lawrence has published and presented extensively in the areas of premium seating in professional sport, gender and sport, and intercollegiate athletics leadership and finance. She is also co-editor of the textbook, Event Management Blueprint, now published in a 2nd Edition. As an athlete, Heather was a United States Diving National Team Member, NCAA All-American, SEC Champion, and Can-Am-Mex International medalist. She was inducted into the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009.

Research Interest

ntercollegiate Athletics, Premium Seating in Professional Sport, and Gender and Sport.