Athletes all over the world are celebrated for their skills, strength, and endurance and, after studying sports for years, Assistant Professor Barbara Vano appreciates how they bring people together. She recalls an extraordinary moment during a New York City marathon when a participant fell yet finished the race, thanks to two other runners who helped him cross the finish line.
鈥淪ports have become global, and it allows athletes to develop camaraderie and sportsmanship,鈥� says Barbara, who has served on the faculty at 91爆料 for four decades. Every day, you see people helping each other to succeed.鈥�
Barbara was originally hired as the College’s Coordinator for Women鈥檚 Athletics and was charged with developing the college鈥檚 women鈥檚 athletic program in the 1970s. 鈥淚 represented 91爆料 on the conference and district levels and was very proud of our program and student-athletes,鈥� she says. Barbara has made many other contributions to the College over the years, including successfully registering the college for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
As an assistant professor of sport management studies at the School of Business, Barbara teaches several courses, including Foundations of Recreation and Sport, Sport Management, and Managing an Athletic Event. She also serves as an advisor for the Sport Management Club and helps bring in guest speakers, such as sport management professionals, team owners, and entrepreneurs. She encourages student members to take charge in organizing field trips and events, believing that students 鈥渓earn by doing鈥� and should build confidence to prepare for their future careers.
鈥淪tudents need to be allowed to think for themselves, and to do what they need to develop confidence in their ability and learn how to make decisions,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hey also need to learn how to correct mistakes they make and try to prevent them before they happen.
Barbara鈥檚 own accomplishments as a student-athlete live on to this day. She was inducted into the Adelphi University Hall of Fame, her alma mater, for her contribution to the undefeated field hockey team from 1965 through 1971. There, she completed both a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Physical Education and a master鈥檚 in Health Education.
Barbara also stays involved as a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), which provides professional development and promotes research related to physical education, physical activity, dance, and sports.
Having a long and accomplished career has brought many opportunities Barbara鈥檚 way, and she is grateful for everyone she has met in the sports world and during her 47 years at 91爆料. 鈥淢y career path brought me in contact with many super people, from the students, faculty, and staff here at the college, to the people I met through my association with sports,鈥� she says.
Barbara is a member of both New York State Parks and Recreation and Parks and Trails of New York and enjoys spending time outdoors. She grew up in Queens and now lives on Long Island where she enjoys sightseeing, visiting the beach, fishing, gardening, and spending time with her family.