Amy Giddings, MEd ‘00, PhD ‘09, was named the new associate dean of the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality management this summer. (Photo by Temple University)
From U.S. National Rowing champion to the founder of the Philadelphia Coaches Conference to being Temple Made, here are a few things you should know about Amy Giddings, MEd ‘00, PhD ‘09, the new associate dean of the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM).
You’ve been at Temple for many years. How does it feel to now be named the associate dean?
Surreal, actually. I moved to Philadelphia in 1998 just before STHM was formed. Since living in Philadelphia, I have been each of the following at one point or another at Temple University—master’s student, athlete, graduate extern, staff member, PhD student, rowing coach, adjunct faculty, professor, academic director, department chair and now, associate dean.
To be able to lead THIS school at Temple means more to me than people can probably imagine. I am truly invested in this university and its mission. This fall, I will add Temple parent to that list when my son begins here as a freshman.
You are a two-time U.S. Rowing National champion! What’s your most memorable moment as a competitive rower?
Rowing taught me so much about how to be successful. To compete in rowing, you have to be willing to fail, try again, fail, try again and do this on repeat for years. Some say it takes at least seven years to be really good at the sport. As a rower, I learned to just keep working hard and to trust that this continuous effort would lead to success.
My most memorable moment as a rower was winning the Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge/Boston, MA. I love fall regattas and this competition is one that both national and international athletes look forward to every year. My teammates and I won the same event three times; we also got 2nd place in the same event once, but we try not to remember that year!
How did you combine your love for Philly and sport to be the founder of the Philadelphia Coaches Conference?
From the moment I started coaching, I knew it was part of my fabric. I truly come alive when I have the opportunity to coach others to reach their fullest potential. Through this experience, I realized how few opportunities there were for coaches to find support, education and professional development to really become excellent at what they do. As a result of this need, I founded the Philadelphia Coaches Conference in 2015. The event has now been held annually for a decade and brings together coaches of all sports and levels for a day of sharing with and learning from one another.
Favorite go-to beverage at Saxbys?
Oat milk latte. Hot, never iced. Delicious! I used to be a black coffee person, but I blame my colleagues for suggesting this latte. Their influence has now cost me a lot of money!
What do you do for fun on weekends?
I’m a parent of three teenagers; I haven’t had “fun” on weekends for a while now! Just kidding, sort of…I love long beach days, reading, walking, paddleboarding, going to football games and recently I have gotten back into rowing.
Favorite Philly sport event to attend?
I LOVE the Philadelphia Eagles and am an Eagles season ticket holder. I try to attend as many home games as possible.
Most memorable career moment?
Finishing my dissertation was significant for me. I was never a traditional doctoral student. I started working before finishing my dissertation and had to really force myself to get it done—and I did so when my children were under the age of 5. It was chaotic but worth everything it took to finish.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Do not focus all your energy on improving your weaknesses but rather focus on your strengths. People need the real you. You have your strengths for a reason.
If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with my late grandfather. He passed away when I was 17 years old and a senior in high school. He was the person I have felt closest to in my life, and I would love to simply sit with him again.
Sport and tourism experiences are popular. What’s been the most unique ‘experience’ you’ve encountered?
I created a sport tourism program to curate specialty trips for groups that wanted to include sports in their travel itinerary. A group of women I had previously coached at a camp, brought together because of their shared experiences of having breast cancer, use rowing as a way to build strength and endurance—and to be supported socially by others going through similar experiences. They learned I could help them row and travel at the same time!
I arranged trips for this group to Italy and Croatia where we rowed with local clubs, enjoyed active tourist experiences, and long, leisurely meals! It was rewarding to learn from these women who are living life to the fullest under stressful circumstances. They are a true inspiration to me and a wonderful example of the benefits of sport tourism. Each trip I have taken with them has been beyond memorable! It is life changing for me.
Three phrases to describe STHM
Industry-focused
Immersive education
Global leader
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about STHM?
We have been offering programs in the sport, tourism, hospitality, event and entertainment management industries for a long time. While STHM was formed in 1998, Temple has offered programs in these industry areas for decades prior to the formation of the school.
One of the most significant benefits is access to STHM alumni who work in sports, hospitality, tourism, events and entertainment all over the world. We have thousands of alumni working in these industries who are ready to help our current students get into the business. Temple Owls are truly everywhere!