Credit: Stellenbboch University/Stefan Els
Stellenbosch University, South Africa, recently conferred an honorary doctorate upon esteemed American sports law and sports business expert, Professor Kenneth Shropshire during its recent graduation ceremony.
Hailing from the renowned Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, Shropshire was granted the title of Doctor of Commerce, honoris causa, by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
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The university bestowed this honour upon Shropshire in recognition of his unwavering commitment to advancing sports law and the sports business sector.
His contributions include the dissemination of expertise and knowledge through academic pursuits, media engagements, authored works, and various platforms.
Additionally, he was acknowledged for his visionary leadership and dedication to formulating evidence-based solutions for issues surrounding inequitable access.
Expressing gratitude during his acceptance speech, Shropshire conveyed his appreciation to Stellenbosch University and the Faculty for the honorary degree.
He remarked, “I’m honoured to forge this enduring and deeper connection with the university,” emphasizing that it marked the first honorary doctorate within his family.
Delving into his field of expertise, Shropshire highlighted the universality of challenges related to sports access, empowerment, and the transition into real-world scenarios. Regardless of geographical location, he stressed the need to address these issues and enhance the quality of life.
According to Shropshire, Stellenbosch University stands out as a beacon for studying these matters in novel ways.
Professor Kenneth Shropshire boasts a distinguished 40-year career spanning sports, business, and law. As a professor, business consultant, author, and attorney, he has addressed different sports-related issues, including major global sporting events, stadium and arena construction and financing, franchise relocations, athlete transitions, and diversity in sports.
Shropshire is the author of influential books on race and sports, as well as sports agents. He has also co-authored leading texts on sports business for business schools and sports law for undergraduates.
Beyond the realm of sports, he has applied his business acumen by serving on the boards of publicly traded companies, banks, for-profit educational enterprises, and several non-profit entities.
Currently, Professor Shropshire holds the position of Faculty Director at the Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity and serves as the David W. Hauck Professor Emeritus at the Wharton School and Africana Studies.
His extensive career also includes a five-year term as the founding chief executive of the Global Sport Institute, along with the role of Adidas Distinguished Professor of Global Sport at Arizona State University.
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