Steven Waller

Steven Waller is a Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Recreation and Sport Management at the University of Tennessee, within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. His academic career spans over three decades, with leadership roles including Co-Director of the Sport and Religion Research Alliance.

Education: He holds a DMin in Pastoral Care and Counseling from United Theological Seminary, a PhD in Parks & Recreation Administration from Michigan State University, and additional degrees in Public Administration and Recreation Management from the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University.

Research focuses on organizational behavior in recreation/sport organizations, diversity equity inclusion (DEI), and the intersection of religion and sport. Notable areas include barriers to career advancement for minorities, institutional evil in organizational culture, and sport chaplaincy professionalization. Recent projects examine African American career mobility patterns and the impact of religiosity on athlete families.

Key publications address sport chaplaincy identity formation, compassion fatigue in therapeutic settings, and systemic racial inequities in sport structures. His work bridges faith-based practices with sport management through interdisciplinary frameworks.

• Received 2021 CEHHS Equity Summer Institute Certification
• 2017 Literary Award from Christian Society for Kinesiology
• 2015 Meritorious Service Award (Knox County Parks Board)

Teaching incorporates Jack Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory, emphasizing critical reflection and adult learning styles. Current appointments include Editorial Board roles for multiple journals, and leadership in diversity initiatives through UTK's Division of Diversity and Engagement.

Active in community service: Board member of Project GRAD Knoxville and the International Sports Chaplaincy Federation. Serves on editorial boards for Journal of the Christian Society for Kinesiology, Journal of Public Management and Social Policy, and others.

Led the 2020 Special Issue on Diversity in Aquatics for International Journal of Aquatics Research and Education, addressing systemic barriers in swimming access and equity initiatives.