International Studies Faculty Member Develops Online Training for Global Sport Mentoring Program

Assistant Professor of International Studies Chelsea Cutright collaborated with the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society (CSPS) at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville to develop an online training program for alumni of the Global Sport Mentoring Program (GSMP). This program features a series of interactive modules and a “guest lecture flight path” designed to certify GSMP alumni as guest lecturers in academic classrooms worldwide.

The GSMP—an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, espnW, and the University of Tennessee—connects emerging global leaders in sport with established mentors to promote U.S. sports diplomacy and cross-cultural exchange. Since its inception, the program has reached over 300 sports leaders from more than 100 countries.

Dr. Cutright co-designed the guest lecture training framework, piloted it with one of her classes at Meredith College, and serves as the featured presenter in one of the recorded training modules. The guest lecture program is part of the broader GSMP Academy, which provides ongoing professional development and resources for the network’s hundreds of alumni worldwide.

Dr. Cutright was able to engage in this collaboration, in part, thanks to a Meredith College Scholarly Productivity Grant.

Dr. Cutright earned her Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Kentucky. Her research explores the intersections of gender, sport, and culture, with projects focusing on youth volunteering, sports-centered NGOs in Tanzania, and identity among women runners.