I studied history at Queen's as Professor Alan Jeeves had created the leading PhD program in Canada and one of the leading ones in the world focused on southern African history.
I completed BA and MA degrees in history at University of South Carolina which included a year of study at the University of Warwick in England. As a result of doing my MA thesis on South Africa, I chose to come to Queen's for my PhD. Since graduation I have become one of the leading experts in sports history and globalization of sport while continuing to work in history and cultural heritage management.
My work with Professor Bob Shenton helped me apply political economy and economic development perspectives to my subsequent work on sport and youth development. My work with Professor Don Akenson prepared me to succeed researching and working in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and USA linking sport to development of comparative settler societies. My work with Professor Jeeves laid the foundation for me becoming a leading expert on the history and operation of sport within the history and politics of South Africa.
We worked hard and played hard. With now Dr. Timothy Clynick, I spent countless hours drinking tea and solving the world's problems. Of course there was no better playing hard than Friday nights at the grad pub over a few pints of Smithwicks. The best thing, though, was, as Professor Jeeves was executive assistant to the Principal we had access to meet countless leaders from Canada and Africa.
My advice to current History students:
Be sure to have as many strings to your bow as possible. There is a growing awareness around the world in conservation and preservation of heritage. Entrepreneurial and business skills can greatly enhance the range of things you can do once you graduate. Be open to changing paths as you grow and progress. I never thought in 1992 I would end up being a Dean of Business, but that's where I am today.
