University of Windsor kinesiology professor Scott Martyn, an expert on commercialism in the Olympic Movement and the Olympic Games, has won recognition from Beijing Sport University for his contributions to its educational culture.

Dr. Martyn, who holds an appointment as distinguished professor at the Chinese school in addition to his faculty position at UWindsor, received the Special Certificate for Exceptional Teaching in appreciation of his “excellent hard work and dedicated teaching,” said a citation by Hua Yongmin, deputy director of the university’s foreign affairs office.

“Professor Martyn is both an outstanding teacher and an exceptional mentor to our students and faculty,” Dr. Yongmin said. “He has that rare ability to connect with undergraduate and graduate students, instructors, faculty and our administration across the entire institution.”

Beyond his work with students, Martyn has mentored faculty in varying departments and helped with curriculum development at a number of Chinese institutions.

The Chinese Ministry of Education has designated Beijing Sport University as one of that country’s 100 key institutions of higher education for the 21st century. Martyn noted that China’s size makes his recognition feel all the more significant.

“In a country with more than 2,000 universities and colleges, thousands of dedicated instructors and faculty, and more than six million registered students, it is truly humbling to receive this award,” he said. “It is not only a significant achievement for me personally, but also for those who work endless hours to constantly improve the quality of teaching and scholarship at Beijing Sport University.

“I am extremely grateful to the senior administration, deans, and faculty, who do so much to advance teaching and learning at this institution and others.”

Martyn is currently in China to deliver a series of 48 lectures on topics including the Olympic movement and international sport organizations, sport in Western civilization, sport and leisure studies, and curriculum design. He returns to the University of Windsor on May 8.