Professor Dr. Roberta Michel has been teaching since 2013 in both the Honors College here at Oakland University, and the business school. Her honors college course, Social Movements in Sports, explores the powerful intersection of athletics, activism, and social change — inspiring a new generation of students to look at sports through a different lens.
“Faculty have to be growth oriented and look at the ideas in their field,” Michel said. “Looking at the impacts of how big organizations operate such as FIFA, it’s important to look at greater issues as well.”
Michel teaches an interpretation of the global impact of sports, providing her students with the ability to gain an understanding and appreciation for what contributes to these movements.
“I like to see students get excited about what they discovered,” Michel said. “I want students to learn about taking the extra step in more research, and grow intellectually through the process.”
Michel hopes to influence her classes by empowering students to think critically about the broader impact of sports on society, and to see athletes as key figures in driving social change.
“Having a class that takes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching is really what I strive for,” Michel said. “Both the research component and group component are important.”
As a Special Lecturer, Michel feels honored and blessed to have the opportunity to teach both in the Honors College, and in the business school. It can be very overwhelming having to take rigorous STEM courses, the Honors College variety of courses gives a way to still fulfill credits, while enjoying the curriculum.
“I’m incredibly grateful to teach in both the Honors College and the business school,” Michel said. “Each environment offers a unique perspective. In the Honors College, I work with students who are engaged in cross-functional thinking, and we explore the broader social implications of sports. In the business school, the focus shifts to leadership, and the practicalities of organizational behavior.”
Rather than relying on traditional lectures, the discussions in her class push students to explore their own ideas, contributing to a more profound learning experience.
“I really enjoy Dr. Michel’s teaching style a lot,” sophomore Gisele Koods said. “I love how the class is more student driven, rather than listening to a lecture the whole time. Our discussion really drives the class into motion and sets it up for that particular day.”
Michel’s dual role allows her to bring a variety of perspectives into her classroom, from analyzing the history of social movements to exploring how societal issues intersect with business and leadership.
“The whole environment of sports really interests me,” Koods said. “I really love the culture a sport creates. The passion that goes into all different types of sports all around the world, just makes me want to be involved even more. Being able to learn about it from Dr. Michel is an amazing opportunity I am so thankful for.”
Michel’s interdisciplinary approach, merging social movements with leadership and ethics, will leave a lasting impact on all her students. For more information on Oakland University’s honors college, visit the OU webpage. For more on Roberta Michel, visit her LinkedIn page.
