Q & A With Dr. Joy Richman, Wade Trophy Committee Member

By Julia M. Coleman: SPM FL Writer
Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Dr. Joy Richman is the Dean of Business, Technology, and Legal Studies, Dunwoody & Buckhead Campuses, for American Intercontinental University (AIU). Dr. Richman also serves on the Wade Trophy Committee, along with 15 others, and will be casting her vote this week for the Trophy which will be presented on Saturday, April 5th, 2008, during the Women's Final Four in Tampa, Fl.

Dr. Richman graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education in 1977 and then immediately entered graduate school at Springfield College in Massachusetts where she obtained a master’s degree in Teaching and the Administration of Physical Education and Athletics in 1978.

She graduated from coaching and teaching to becoming a sports administrator over the next 10 years, and eventually found her way to Ohio State University where she was awarded a doctoral degree in Sport Management in 1992. Dr. Richman has served as a sports administrator for Divisions I, II, and III and has recently been promoted into her current position as the Dean of Business, Technology and Legal Studies, after serving as the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program Chair - Entertainment and Sports Marketing within the School of Business.

She spoke to us this week about her involvement in women’s sports, including her role on the Wade Trophy Committee.

Dean Richman, how long have you been involved with NAGWS (National Association of Girls and Women in Sports) and did your NAGWS involvement lead to your appointment to the Wade Committee?

“I have been involved in women’s sports my whole life, and in NAGWS by way of AAPHERD (The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) is the largest organization of professionals supporting and assisting those involved in physical education, leisure, fitness, dance, health promotion, and education and all specialties related to achieving a healthy lifestyle. AAPHERD has alliances with six other similar organizations – one of which is the NAGWS) since I was 21 years old.”

Are you “A proud product of Title IX” (as Robin Roberts likes to say)?

“I am! I am! That legislation was being created and implemented as I made my way through UGA.” (Joy Richman grew up playing basketball and in fact was on scholarship as a forward for the Georgia Bulldogs as well as being on the golf team. She is a staunch supporter of Title IX legislation.)

What sort of growth would you like to see in the National Girls and Women in Sports day?

“I would just like to see it become a community event … a day long community event.” Dr. Richman suggests that colleges in particular can offer space and access to athletes to celebrate this event and extend invitations for the entire local community to attend.

What role can colleges such as AIU play in making sports a viable career option for females?

“We can educate females on the business side of sports. An AIU student here in Atlanta interned last year for the committee working to bring the [WNBA expansion] Dream to town. It was a great opportunity to learn about marketing and promotions.”

How much of your vote for the Wade Trophy is based on “in game” performance?

“There are actually some really specific criteria for this award. First, they have to be academically eligible. Then, along with athletic performance, the committee also considers leadership and character. We look at the total contribution the athlete has made to their team, in terms of leadership, over the course of their playing career."

Having watched Maya Moore as a freshman this year, do you think she should/could have been in contention for this award?

“Freshmen are not eligible for the Trophy. Since the Wade Trophy also measures intangibles like leadership and character, it would be difficult for a freshman to accumulate enough of that to be considered for the award.”

Candace Parker vs. Maya Moore - who wins in a game of one-on-one?

“Candace Parker without question. But in another year or two … who knows?”

What are your feelings about combining Men’s and Women’s Final Four into one mega-event?

“That is very intriguing … I can’t say I am for or against it … it would take some serious market studies to find a venue with enough hotel rooms … I don’t think the men would be happy sharing the stage. But when you look at the major professional tennis events like Wimbledon, the US Open … those events have women and men playing at the same time and they are very successful. It is interesting … ”