Educator studies African American athletes

Bringing with him irrepressible enthusiasm and energy, Keith Harrison came to IU-Bloomington's Department of Kinesiology ready to teach. Apparently undaunted by the prospects of a double bill, Dr. Harrison learned only when he arrived to teach a three-day intensive course on "Youth at Risk" at the Department of Kinesiology-sponsored PACE (Positive Approaches to Children's Education) Conference that his second class, "Diversity in Physical Education and Sport," had been cancelled at the last minute. This did not stop him from enjoying a summer of prodigious production, however.

After completing the demanding conference seminar, Dr. Harrison often liked to tell us that he had spent all day "just thinking about things"; his relaxed and understated attitude belied the numerous articles he was turning out and the research he worked on while in Bloomington. In addition to guest-lecturing in another fellow's class, visiting I.U. athletic facilities and giving an interview to the Dallas Morning News on the psychological aspects of football and media images of Michael Irvin, Dr. Harrison sent two articles to press, contributed to a new edition of Jay Coakley's text on sport in society, and conducted research at the College Football Hall of Fame on student-athletes in general and on successful African American male student-athletes in particular.

Dr. Harrison received his Ed.D. in September 1995 from the University of Southern California with a dissertation entitled "Perceptions of African American Male Student-Athletes in Higher Education," a work which will be published this fall. He came to MFFP from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, where he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies. Prior to taking that position, Dr. Harrison served as coach, adjunct professor, and student-athlete consultant in a variety of college settings. There is no mystery how it is that his research interests, professional experiences, and concern for making a difference in the lives of student-athletes all reflect a deep understanding of his students and subjects: Dr. Harrison played offensive center in football from the fifth grade through his senior year in college, and he will happily tell you that he is "proud to be a product of the community college system."

Reflecting on his time at IU, Dr. Harrison has this to say: "Beyond a doubt, for talented scholars seeking to excel in academia, this program is the one for knowledge of self, society, and higher education. Not only has it allowed my vita to grow--but even better, my vision as a productive citizen has grown."