Kirsty Spence, PhD

Associate Dean, Teaching and Undergraduate Studies and Associate Professor, Sport Management

Office: STH 435
905 688 5550 x5027
kspence@brocku.ca

I am interested in a student-centred approach in both my teaching and research endeavours. My teaching and research expertise extends to organizational behaviour and leadership topics, with specific interest and passion related to leaders’ development and the processes that promote such development (e.g., experiential learning, mindfulness, leadership coaching).

Research Interests

  • Leader Development
  • Vertical and Lateral Development of Leaders
  • Experiential Learning
  • Coaching for Leader Development

Professional affiliations and accreditation/certification

  • Certificate in Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation, 2021
  • Certified Enneagram Teacher, The Narrative Enneagram (TNE), 2021
  • Member, Society of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE)
  • Member, North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)
  • Member, Board of Directors, The Narrative Enneagram (2019-22)
  • Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation (ICF), (2017)
  • Member, Editorial Board, Sport Management Education Journal (2016-19)
  • Faculty, Integral Coaching Canada®, Ottawa, ON (2015-Present)
  • Integral Master Coach™, Integral Coaching Canada®, Ottawa, ON (2011)

Publications

Van Bussel, M., & Spence, K. (2022). Relational risk management and the promotion of safe sport. In J. Stevens (Ed.)., Safe Sport: Critical Issues and Practices. Ecampus Ontario. [URL]. Licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0., March

Kerwin, S., & Spence, K. (2021). Undergraduate sport management education: Exploring ego development and leadership efficacy. Sport Management Education Journal, 15(2), 72-86. https://doi.org/10.1123/smej.2020-0040

Gwartz, E. & Spence, K. (2020). Conscious capitalism and sport: Exploring higher purpose in a professional sport organization. Sport Management Review, 23(4), 750-763.

McDonald, M. & Spence, K. (2016). Experiential learning: Impacting student lateral and vertical development. Invited peer-reviewed “Exemplary Contribution” manuscript to the Sport Management Education Journal, 10, 140-147.

McDonald, M. & Spence, K. (2015). Leadership. In T. Byers (Ed.), Contemporary issues in sport management: A critical introduction. London: Sage Publications.

Spence, K.K & McDonald, M.A. (2015). Assessing vertical development in experiential learning curriculum. Journal of Experiential Education, 38(3), 296-312.

Chard, C. & Spence, K. (2015). Sports rescue: The South End Mustangs Professional ice hockey team.  Case Studies in Sport Management. 4(7), 44-53.

McIntosh, E., Capstick, A.L., & Spence, K.K. (2015). Management challenges in delivering an international sport and development program. Sport, Business, Management: An International Journal, 5(3), 276-296.

Filo, K., Spence, K.., & Sparvero, E. (2013). Exploring the properties of community among charity sport event participants. Managing Leisure, 18(3), 194–212.

MacIntosh, E. & Spence, K. K. (2012). An exploration of stakeholder values: In search of common ground within an international sport and development initiative. Sport Management Review, 15(4), 404-415.

Teaching

  • Undergraduate: Introduction to Sport Industry Sectors (SPMA 1P92)
  • Undergraduate: Organizational Behaviour for Sport Organizations (SPMA 2P21)
  • Undergraduate: Leadership in Sport Organizations (SPMA 4P09)
  • Graduate: Leadership and Organizational Behaviour in Leisure, Sport, and Community Based Organization (SPMA 5P04)

Awards and distinctions

  • Best Paper Finalist, Sport Management Education Journal (SMEJ) Paper entitled: Undergraduate sport management education: Exploring ego development and leadership efficacy (2022)
  • Best Reviewer Award, 2021 Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (ASAC) Conference (2021)
  • Brock University Award for Distinguished Teaching (2019)
  • Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award (2017)
  • Chancellor’s Chair for Teaching Excellence (2016)
  • New Educator Award, Management & Organizational Behaviour Teaching Society (2009)