James Riordan, Ph.D.

James Riordan, Ph.D., was a prominent figure in the field of sport management education, particularly at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Here are some key points about his career and contributions:

Establishment of the MBA Program

Dr. Riordan initiated and directed the MBA in Sport Management program at FAU, which began its first full year of operation in August 2000. He was the first full-time director of this program.368

Academic and Professional Background

Riordan had a long-standing career in academia, having worked as a professor and program director since 1995. He was committed to producing top-notch managers and executives in the sport industry through a rigorous graduate business curriculum combined with a specialization in sport management.24

Achievements and Legacy

Under his leadership, the FAU MBA in Sport Management program achieved significant recognition, including being ranked highly by SportBusiness. For example, the program was ranked No. 10 worldwide in 2023 and had previously been ranked No. 19 in 2021.167

Practical Orientation

Riordan emphasized the importance of practical application and industry involvement. Students in the program were required or encouraged to participate in internships and work within the sport industry to enhance their educational experience.12

Passing

Dr. James Riordan passed away in March 2022 at the age of 61. His death was announced by FAU's College of Business, and he was remembered for his substantial legacy in the sport management education field.568