WSU professor wins top sport & recreation law award

PULLMAN — Professor Cathryn Claussen, director of WSU’s Sport Management program, has received the Sport & Recreation Law Association’s highest honor.

Claussen accepted the Betty van der Smissen Leadership Award at the association’s annual conference in March.

Claussen is known for her research on such sport issues as gambling, ethnic team logos, fans’ expectation of privacy, and, in particular, gender equity and cultural diversity. Her work is frequently cited in mainstream law journals. The award also recognized her impressive contributions to her profession, sound record of professional consulting, extensive university service and versatility as an instructor.

“Betty van der Smissen is widely regarded as having been one of the original preeminent sport law scholars in the sport management profession,” Claussen said. “Her mentorship early in my career was an invaluable gift and, although she passed away two years ago, her leadership continues as a guiding light in our field. To have received this award named in her honor will be a lasting inspiration to me.”

In nominating Claussen for the award, Professor Jacquelyn Cuneen of Bowling Green State University listed teaching and mentoring prowess among the WSU professor’s many attributes.

“I am very familiar with Professor Claussen’s course characteristics, and I sincerely believe that she teaches one of the best sport law courses in North America,” Cuneen wrote.

She also noted Claussen’s reputation as one of the most capable presenters at scholarly and professional conferences. “She has focused on such topics as intercollegiate athletics policies, free speech, ethnic team names, illegal searches of fans and athletes, and other compelling and vital issues affecting sport industry decisions and delivery.”

Claussen holds a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center. More information is available on her faculty profile, visit http://education.wsu.edu/directory/faculty/claussenc