Faculty Friday: Emma Ariyo
#FacultyFriday w/ Emma Ariyo — Feb. 18, 2022
Faculty role: Assistant Professor (Career Track) — Sport Management
Location: WSU Pullman
Why did you choose to do what you do?
I am passionate about sport. Sport has a big platform in society, through teaching and research, I can give back to community as well as use sport as a tool for change at different levels, starting in the classroom. As a former student – athlete and national team player for Uganda, teaching about sport in our society was best way to keep in touch with sport trends.
What has been your favorite thing about WSU, as well as the College of Education?
My favorite thing about the College of Education and WSU is how friendly and welcoming everyone has been. The people I work with and the students are awesome!
What responsibility comes with working for a land-grant university? Why is being a land-grant special?
Working at a land-grant university gives me the responsibility and opportunity to acknowledge the people of the land and the land it self. It is a constant reminder of the attachment people have to their lands and places of origin.
If you could improve one thing about WSU, what would it be?
I think finding / creating ways to make WSU more inclusive environment for minority groups of people on the campus.
What makes you an Agent of Change?
I am an African woman, mother, former athlete and an educator in field of Sport Management, therefore my presence at WSU and in academia makes me an agent of change. Working with students gives me the platform to share my social and cultural perspectives of sport in society as well as promote critical thinking through the lens of sport. Discovering the gaps in academia, exploring possibilities, and finding ways to use sport as a tool to push for change and development in our communities.
February is Black History Month. Why is this important to you? And why should it be important to others who are not Black?
Celebration of my heritage. My identity. What I represent. Honoring the contributions and legacy of Black people reminds me that we are all different but have one goal, preserving humanity in all its diversity. As an immigrant from Uganda – Black history month is an opportunity to recognize and learn about the extensive languages, cultures, histories, peoples, and identities that make up the Black communities.
Favorites
Food: Steak (well done)
Restaurant in Pullman: No favorite restaurant yet
Favorite book: The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
Favorite band: UB 40
Favorite song: Kiss No Frog – Lucky Dube
Favorite movie: Mad Max: Fury Road
Favorite TV show: The Good Wife
Favorite Coug Sport: I love them ALL
Hobby: Soccer (Playing and Watching)
Vacation spot (you’ve been to): Mauritius
Dream vacation spot: Hawaii