Faculty Bio

Dr. Linda Henderson

Associate Professor, Sociology

Phone: 403-254-3749
Email: linda.henderson@stmu.ca

My entire life I have been passionate about teaching and coaching. When I was younger, my focus was on coaching athletes. Now it is my humble privilege to coach university students! For me, there is nothing more rewarding than helping students be successful – not only in school, but also in life. Students in my classes know that they have my unconditional support and that I genuinely care! My classrooms are places of respect and interactive learning. I emphasize skill development over content and thinking over memorization. I stress accountability, initiative, energy and enthusiasm – qualities I try to bring to class myself, every day.

After five years of teaching at the University of Calgary, I joined the faculty at St. Mary’s “College” in 2003. It has been indescribable to be part of the process that has brought us to St. Mary’s University today!

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Specialization/Research Interest

Because of my keen interest in effective teaching and learning, my major research area is the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. I have been able to share my work in this area locally, nationally and internationally. As a sport sociologist, I am conducting a longitudinal research study of the experiences of sports fans and a project that explores the intersection of Sport and a concept I have developed called “SGS” (i.e., the complex interplay of “Sex” assigned at birth, “Gender” and “Sexuality,” that can be used to illustrate the diversity of peoples’ realities as embodied, gendered, sexual beings.)

I am also a public sociologist - utilizing my sociological insights to serve as a collaborative consultant, strategist, facilitator and mentor for organizations outside of the university. My current partners in this endeavour are involved in high performance and professional sport.

Education

PhD Sociology, University of Calgary
MA Sociology, University of Calgary
BA (Honours) Sociology, University of Calgary