Simon Licen

Simon Licen is an Associate Professor and Head of the Sports Management program at Washington State University (WSU), Pullman campus. His research focuses on mediated communication in sport, identity negotiation through media, and media dynamics in post-socialist/post-colonial societies. He holds a PhD (2011) and BA (2005) in Journalism from the University of Ljubljana.

Professional roles include visiting appointments at Beijing Sport University (China) since 2015, Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Primorska (Slovenia, 2020), and Senior Research Fellow at Beijing Foreign Studies University (2022). He has also served as Director of Media and Communications for a WTA Tour event and contributed to organizing major sports events like the Ljubljana Marathon.

Research interests span sport communication, media globalization, and governance. His work examines Olympic Games coverage, event impacts on national identity, and sustainable sport management. Media appearances include frequent contributions to Slovenian outlets like Večer, Radio Slovenia, and international platforms like Pacific Standard Magazine.

Advising and grants: Has advised numerous graduate students (no named advisees listed) and contributed to grant-funded research on sport media and governance. Lab/Team: Oversees the Sports Management program at WSU and collaborates with the Center for International Sport Communication and Diplomacy Studies (Beijing).