Dr. John Giannini, most recently head coach of La Salle University’s men’s basketball program, has returned to Rowan University to lead the new Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact.
The Center will examine the role that sports communication and media play in relating the sports world to broader issues, promote positive cultural change and expand and enrich student experiences through internships, mentoring and guest speaking programs.
“My greatest passion in coaching was to mentor students throughout college and see growth that resulted in career success,” Giannini said. “The Center allows me to continue this passion for students who seek careers in the sports industry. Doing so at Rowan, a university I love and have seen grow in national prominence, makes it especially meaningful.”
Giannini brings a unique set of skills, experience and education to his role as founding director of the new center. In addition to leading the La Salle Explorers for 14 seasons, the celebrated coach led the University of Maine Black Bears for eight seasons, led the Rowan Profs to an NCAA Division III championship, and holds a Ph.D. in kinesiology with a specialization in sports psychology.
In addition to leading the new Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact, Giannini will teach Topics in Sports Communication at Rowan and mentor students seeking careers in the field.
The Center is situated within Rowan’s College of Communication & Creative Arts, which this fall will also launch a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Communication & Media degree.
