Matthew A. Masucci

Matthew A. Masucci is Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Student Success in the College of Health and Human Sciences at San José State University, where he has been a faculty member since 2002. He served as Chair of the Department of Kinesiology from 2014 to 2018 and has extensive leadership experience in curriculum development, accreditation, and student success initiatives.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Cultural Studies in Education, University of Tennessee
• M.A. in Philosophy (Sport Philosophy), Ohio University
• B.A. in Liberal Studies (Minors: Philosophy & Psychology), Salisbury University

Dr. Masucci's research lies at the intersection of cultural studies, philosophy, and critical sport studies. His work employs qualitative methodologies to explore the cultural meanings of sport, identity, media, and technology. Key areas include doping in sport, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), cycling cultures (especially the San José Bike Party), and the political dimensions of sport. His interdisciplinary scholarship interrogates how sport reflects and shapes broader social dynamics.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward analyzing sport as a cultural and political phenomenon, particularly in relation to media narratives, urban movements, and crisis events like the pandemic. He frequently collaborates with scholars such as Timothy Butryn and Jay Johnson, producing work that bridges academic inquiry with real-world social issues.

Professional Affiliations & Presence:

• ResearchGate
• ORCID
• Twitter: @MasucciSJSU

Dr. Masucci is actively involved in academic service and professional organizations. While no formal advising list is provided, he mentors students through collaborative research projects. He has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary scholarship and institutional leadership, particularly in program assessment and strategic planning.

His work is closely tied to urban and community-based research, especially around the San José Bike Party, which serves as a living laboratory for studying leisure, activism, and public space. Though not explicitly stated, his research suggests engagement with interdisciplinary teams focused on sport, media, and social justice.