Faculty Focus - Dr. Joshua Lupinek

Josh refereeing at a hockey game.
Josh refereeing at a hockey game.


Hailing from East Haddam, Connecticut, Josh’s connection to the sports industry started as a minor league hockey player and turned into sport marketing during graduate school. Josh stays connected to his hockey background as an NCAA referee for the WCHA and Big Ten Conference. You may see him on the ice with the UAF Nanooks. Josh is an assistant professor of business administration.
Educational background:
Ph.D. – University of Minnesota, Sport Management
M.A. – University of Connecticut, Sport Management & Sociology
B.A. – Franklin Pierce University, Business Management & Mathematics

What brought you to Alaska?
The opportunity to work for the School of Management, my colleagues (plus their mutual hockey interests), and a family adventure.



What do you enjoy about Alaska?
I enjoy the family-friendly community and how much opportunity there is for outdoor family activities. Even walking the dog is a fun adventure, with the wildlife and the numerous trails.

This is your first year with SOM. What were your first impressions?
I enjoy the friendly business school culture. While SOM is very professional and respected within the community, you don’t have to wear a suit to work everyday for someone to know you mean business!

Your specialized field is sports marketing. How does that translate into the classroom?
Sports marketing has endless connections to the classroom as athlete endorsements continue to trend upwards. There is no lack of controversial topics when it comes to professional athletes and how their personal life choices affect the sport industry. Connecting with students on these topics and how they choose to consume sports is something I very much enjoy. People tend to carry a lot more passion in how they choose one sports brand/team over another than for general consumer products like shampoo.

What research or project are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a collaborative project where we are researching the gender differences of fantasy football participation and what motivational differences exist for females with respect to starting and continuing to play fantasy football.

What advice do you have for current students?
My advice for students, especially student-athletes, is to take advantage of the network around you. Everyone at SOM takes pride in helping you get to that next level. I can’t think of too many places in the world that provide as much professional development support and personal interest in your career.

What would you like to tell us about your family?
My wife Tracy and I welcomed our first child, Ava, this past December. We are excited to be raising a family in the Fairbanks, AK community and can’t wait till she is old enough to ride her first snowmachine!

Josh and his dog.
Josh and his dog.


  • Next TV/movie binge watch in queue? “Ballers” on HBO, but it is on hold until after the Stanley Cup.

  • Book you are currently reading? "Winning the customer: Turn consumers into fans and get them to spend more," by Lou Imbriano & Elizabeth King.

  • Your last music download? “I Took A Pill In Ibiza” by Mike Posner.

  • If you were granted you one wish to change the world what would it be? Stop global warming, so that future generations can enjoy the world as we do.


 

Josh's and his wife Tracy's daughter, Ava.
Josh's and his wife Tracy's daughter, Ava.