Matthew Ostermeyer

Biography

Dr. Matt Ostermeyer is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies Department at the University of Arizona. He received his Ph.D. in Leisure Behavior and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Indiana University. Matt also earned a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in Recreation Administration. His professional experience includes 15 years in the field of recreational sports, having worked in municipal and campus recreation settings. He is most interested in understanding what an increasingly diverse population means for the leisure service industry; particularly how cultural competence affects service delivery and participant experience, especially for underrepresented and disadvantaged populations. Matt believes passionately in the powerful benefits of recreation and tries to “practice what he preaches” by getting on the tennis court and hiking trail as often possible.

Degrees

• Ph.D. Leisure Behavior
• Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
• Exploring Cultural Competence in Public Parks and Recreation: A Case Study Approach
• M.A. Recreation, Park and Leisure Administration
• Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States
• Parental Expectations and Satisfaction Levels in a Community Recreational Youth Sports Program
• B.A. Sociology
• Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States