Neal Ternes

Neal Ternes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University, part of the College of Education. His research and teaching focus on sport management, legal and ethical issues in sport, intercollegiate athletics, and the intersection of sport and public policy.

His research interests include:

• Sport and Government Policy
• First Amendment Law in Sport
• Globalization and Politics of Sport
• Legal and Ethical Aspects of Sport
• Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in College Athletics
• Labor Law and the Gig Economy in Sport

His recent publications examine pressing legal and policy issues in college sports, particularly around free speech, NIL rights, and labor rights. These works appear in leading journals such as the Journal of Sport Management, Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal, and International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics. The body of work reflects a strong trend toward constitutional law, athlete rights, and institutional governance in intercollegiate athletics.

He teaches courses including:

• LESM 360 - Sport Event and Facility Management
• LESM 436 - Professional Development and Careers in Sport Management
• LESM 439 - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Sport
• LESM 461 - Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics
• LESM 543 - Research Seminar in Sport Management
• LESM 561 - Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Neal Ternes advises students and conducts research in sport policy and law. He collaborates with scholars such as S.C. Ehrlich and M. Williamson-Gourley on legal and ethical dimensions of modern college athletics. While specific grant funding is not mentioned, his research output suggests active scholarly engagement and potential external support.

He is affiliated with the Fitness Assessment, Consulting and Technology (FACT) lab and other outreach initiatives through the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, contributing to research and community programs such as the NIU Healthcare Education Alliance for Learning and Scholarship (HEALS) and the Oak Crest Retirement Center Exercise Program.