Mr. Michael J. Gentile, J.D.

Biography

Mr. Michael J. Gentile, J.D. is an Associate Professor in the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Niagara University. He teaches courses in Sport Management, Recreation and Sport Law, Negotiations, Sport Policy and Governance, Event and Facility Management.

In addition to his current position, Professor Gentile has over 20 years of professional experience including 10 years in the practice of law specializing in civil litigation and municipal law. He also has been associated with the sport and recreation industry, specifically in the field of intercollegiate athletics, for 13 years. Prior to arriving at Niagara University, Professor Gentile was the first commissioner of the Empire 8 Conference, a Division III athletic conference in Central New York State. He also has experience as an Associate Athletic Director at the University of Texas at El Paso and as Director of Compliance and Student Services at the University at Buffalo. His athletic administrative experience began in the athletics program at Kent State University. He recently concluded a 30 year career as a high school and college basketball referee, having officiated in six states.

Professor Gentile has conducted research in the areas of athletic eligibility requirements, sport sponsorship regulations, coach’s conduct, constitutional issues and youth sport activities. He has provided workshops for area high school teachers, counselors and coaches and consults with school personnel and students on athletics administration issues.

Professor Gentile is active on campus and in the community, particularly in the area of his expertise. He serves on numerous campus committees including the Faculty Athletic Advisory Committee at Niagara. Additionally, he is a long-standing board member and volunteer for the Niagara Police Athletic League, serves on the nominating committee for Opportunities Unlimited and is a former member of the Niagara Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors. He has been elected to two terms on the Lewiston-Porter Board of Education and serves as president of that board.

Focus of Teaching

Undergraduate:

• HRT 100: Introduction to Hotel, Restaurant, Recreation and Tourism
• SPM 244: Recreation and Sport Law
• SPM 275: Introduction to Sport Management
• SPM 380: Sport Policy and Governance
• SPM 473: Sport Facility Management
• SPM 488: Negotiation and Dispute Resolution

Graduate:

• SPM 573: Event and Facility Management
• SPM 588: Legal and Regulatory Environment

Current Research

• Intercollegiate athletics
• Eligibility requirements
• Transfer regulations
• Codes of conduct and ethics
• Issues impacting sport officials
• Risk Management
• Negotiations and Dispute Resolution
• Not for Profit sport organizations

Current Involvement

• Member of the Sport and Recreation Law Association (SRLA)
• Admitted to the Ohio State Bar, November 1980 (inactive)
• Sport and Recreation Law Association, faculty member, 2005-present
• International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, Board #53, 1991-97 and 2000-present
• Western New York Board of Women’s Officials, 2000-present

Educational Background

• M.A., Physical Education – Sport Administration, Kent State University
• Juris Doctor (J.D.), Cleveland State University – Admitted to the Bar of the State of Ohio
• B.A. History, John Carroll University
• Certification through the Harvard Program on Negotiations