Matt Ostermeyer is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies Department at the University of Arizona. He is the Director of Sport and Recreation Leadership, overseeing three graduate degrees and an undergraduate minor. Matt also teaches courses in the Interdisciplinary Studies major (Sport and Society emphasis), Leadership and Learning Innovation major, Adolescents, Community and Education minor, as well as in the General Education curriculum. His previous teaching experience in higher education has included a wide variety of courses related to management, program evaluation, event planning, fund development and grant writing, as well as introductory sociology. He uses a multidisciplinary approach and critical theory in the classroom to focus on issues of social justice and equity.
Dr. Ostermeyer received his Ph.D. in Leisure Behavior from the Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies Department at Indiana University. He also earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology from IU, so he is a true "Hoosier." His master's degree was awarded from Central Michigan University in Recreation, Park and Leisure Service Administration.
Dr. Ostermeyer's professional experience includes 15 years in the field of recreational sports. He has worked in municipal parks and recreation settings, as well as campus recreation. He has held various positions; from tennis instructor and volleyball official, to intramural supervisor, program coordinator and tournament director for national-level sporting events.
Dr. Ostermeyer's research has focused on cultural competence and humility in the leisure service industry. He is most interested in understanding how agency policy, management priorities, and accreditation standards affect access to recreation opportunities for underprivileged and underrepresented populations, especially in the public sector. He continues to be active in The Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS) and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), presenting at their national conferences regularly.
