Dr. Joy Theresa DeSensi

Dr. Joy Theresa DeSensi, age 71 of Knoxville, TN, and formerly of Pittsburgh, PA died Saturday, April 1, 2017. She was member of St. John XXIII University Parish. At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Dr. DeSensi was Department Head, Exercise, Sport, & Leisure Studies, Teaching Professor, and Associate Dean, Graduate School. Dr. DeSensi co-authored the book Ethics and Morality in Sport Management, and has served as President of the International Association for the Philosophy of Sport, the National Association for Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education, the Southern Academy of Women in Physical Activity, Sport and Health, and is a founding member of the North American Society for Sport Management. Dr. DeSensi earned a number of awards throughout her academic career, including: . Scholar Lifetime Achievement Award, Southern Sport Management Association, 2015 . Fellow, National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education, 2015 . Inaugural Diversity Award-North American Society for Sport Management, 2013 . Rachel Bryant Lecture Award-National Association for Girls & Women in Sport, 2013 . Distinguished Scholar Award, National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education, 2010 . Chancellor’s Professor-University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2008 . Angie Warren Perkins Award for Excellence in Governance & Administration, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2007 . President’s Award, National Association for Girls & Women in Sport, 2005 Preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Columbia DeSensi, she is survived by her cousins: Richard, Joseph, V, John, Nina , Jan, Sue, and best friend Becky. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2017, St. John XXIII University Parish, 1710 Melrose Place, Knoxville TN 37916 with Fr. Don Andrie officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel, with Rosary being said at 4:30 p.m. Interment will take place Saturday, April 8, 2017, Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Claxton Education Building, 1122 Volunteer Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916

Tributes

Dr. Joy Theresa DeSensi

August 28, 1960 - March 31, 2017