SPS Stories
Faculty Spotlight
Lee Igel
Clinical Professor
Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport
Real-world Sports Insights in the Classroom
Fast Facts
- Lee Igel studied physiology at Boston University and pursued further graduate studies in counseling and sport psychology, followed by doctoral studies in industrial/organizational psychology
- Igel uses the classroom as a dynamic laboratory, incorporating real-world experiences and emphasizing the importance of understanding the difference between being a fan and a professional
- His career has evolved through exploring interests and opportunities, leading him to NYU SPS, where he has designed and taught over 40 different courses
<p>Beginning every year in September and finishing in just twelve months, the <a title="MS in Global Sport" href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-sport.html">MS in Global Sport</a> program at NYU SPS was designed with busy professionals in mind. Dr. Lee Igel, a leading voice in the industry, has designed and taught over 40 different courses in graduate and undergraduate programs at NYU, and shows no signs of slowing down. We were delighted to learn more about his passion for teaching, his diverse background, and his advice for prospective students.</p>
From Physiology Student to Global Sport Professor
<p>Professor Igel's career began with an interest in sports, health, and wellness, which led him to pursue undergraduate studies in physiology at Boston University. During his studies, he played various roles in major league professional sports and top-level amateur athletics, which directed him toward sports medicine and player development.</p>
<p>These experiences prompted further graduate studies in counseling and sports psychology. Eventually, the skills he honed over the years led him to oversee integrated health programs for senior executives, elite athletes, and celebrity entertainers in New York City. From there, he pursued doctoral studies in industrial/organizational psychology.</p>
A friend introduced me to some faculty and staff at what was then NYU's Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports Management. The center was in its startup phase, and this friend saw potential mutual interests. The Tisch Center faculty and staff were kind enough to invite me to various events they were hosting. As we got to know each other, that led to delivering a guest talk, then teaching a few courses as an adjunct, then serving as a visiting professor for one year, and eventually staying on for a couple of years. Now, a couple of decades later, here we are."
The Draw to Teaching and Continuing Inspiration
<p>Teaching has always been a priority for Igel. He explains, "Teaching has always been a common chord in my career, whether in training rooms, boardrooms, or classrooms. What keeps me going with teaching is seeing people's thinking and work develop in new ways. And their learning helps me learn, as well."</p>
<p>Igel's approach to teaching transforms the classroom into a dynamic laboratory. Whether in a traditional NYU classroom or out in the field at stadiums, corporate offices, city halls, or cultural sites, he fosters an environment that encourages a flow of knowledge and experiences. "What motivates me is putting together the pieces for that process, facilitating it, and seeing it put to work," he says.</p>
Student Experiences and Takeaways
<p>Students in the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-sport.html" title="MS in Global Sport">MS in Global Sport</a> program benefit significantly from its base in New York, which offers frequent and meaningful opportunities to interact with industry professionals and understand industry standards.</p>
<p>Dr. Igel notes, "One of the biggest takeaways that students and alumni often mention is how our program's base in New York offers frequent and meaningful opportunities to interact with industry professionals and understand industry standards." This integrated approach ensures that students leave the program with a comprehensive understanding of sports management and the skills to thrive in the industry.</p>
<p>One of the successes in Igel's teaching is seeing students' work develop in ways that make a positive impact both in and out of the classroom.</p>
Our graduate capstone course is built around projects where students work with representatives—usually senior executives—from client organizations in the private, government, and social sectors. The project themes address real issues and needs that the client is working through and looking for new insights about."
Innovative Courses and Teaching Philosophy
<p>Having designed and taught so many courses at NYU, Igel finds it tough to play favorites. Each course offers unique opportunities and challenges. "It's difficult to pick a single favorite course because each one has been an opportunity to figure out a good combination for delivering subject matter content in a new and different context," he explains. His teaching philosophy centers on making learning a dynamic and interactive process, ensuring students gain practical experiences and develop new perspectives applicable to their future careers.</p>
Advice for Aspiring Global Sport Professionals
<p>Igel advises students to differentiate between being a fan and a professional in the sports industry. Sharing a story about a major international football club chairman, he shares the importance of professionalism over personal passion in the workplace. "While being a fan is important, what the organization needed in that position was a professional who could perform at the expected level," he explains.</p>
<p>As technology evolves at a rapid pace, many industries are significantly impacted. Global Sport is no exception. To stay ahead of the curve, Igel emphasizes understanding how technology serves people's behaviors, organizational values, and objectives. "Technology is a tool. The way to stay ahead of the curve is to keep scanning for what tech is available, but focus first and foremost on people's needs. It's about figuring out how the tech can be integrated to serve those needs," he advises.</p>
Embracing Opportunities at NYU SPS
<p>For prospective students, Igel highlights the value of NYU SPS's comprehensive offerings. "Students who have been in my courses would probably appreciate me referencing Peter Drucker here. Adapting from something he wrote, it's basically that stepping up a career ladder is a thing of the past and it's now more like figuring out which vines to clear along your career path. Our program, and NYU as a whole, offers people and opportunities to help you in that way," he says.</p>
<p>Professor Igel is one of many NYU SPS faculty members who embody the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of the MS in Global Sport program, preparing students to navigate and thrive in the industry. See for yourself when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-global-sport.html" title="MS in Global Sport">MS in Global Sport</a> today.</p>
