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ABERDEEN, S.D. –A paper by Northern State University faculty members Dr. Thomas Orr and Dr. Allen Barclay, written with the help of two Northern alums, has been published in The Journal of Recreation and Parks and Tourism in Public Health. 

The article is titled “Marketing Techniques involved in the Women’s National Basketball Association.” NSU Alumni assisting with the article areMykenzie (Spaulding) Wakefield of Optum in Eden Prarie, Minn., and Mack Arvidson of Express Employment Professionals, in Fargo, N.D.

The article covers the major differences in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Men's National Basketball Associationin regards to the number of fans drawn to each game. The authors outline the numerous limitations placed on WNBA teams due to the lack of money generated by eachteam. The article also discusses the need for American leagues to increase funding to keep athletes from competing overseas during the off-season, as well as the possibility of branching out to young basketball players and establishing a personalconnection between WNBA athletes and youth athletes to create a larger fan base.

Orr joined Northern’s faculty in 2011. He is an assistant professor in sport marketing and administration; and he received his Ph.D. and M.S. from Indiana University, and previously was a visiting professor for Indiana University and research associate for the Center for Sport Policy & Conduct. Orr has had extensive experience as a player, official, supervisor, coach and sport administrator in numerous sports. 

Barclay joined NSU's faculty in 2011. He received his Ph.D. from Colorado State University, and his M.A. and B.A. from the University of Minnesota. He is department chair for Management, Marketing, and MIS and recruitment coordinator for the NSU School of Business. He is also co-lead for the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation process in the School of Business.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.