Building a bridge between athletics and academics

College sports have been plagued with abuses since their beginnings in the mid-nineteenth century. Despite the many attempts to reform college sport the problems continue and seem to have worsened. "Building A Bridge Between Athletics and Academics" examines the agendas suggested to reform intercollegiate athletics and proposes educational strategies which merge intercollegiate sport into the framework and mission of higher education.;Initially the dissertation reviews the history of intercollegiate sport and the reform agendas that have been part of that history. The historical review brings to light the absence of any major agenda that suggested teaching those in sport about sport through courses or specific programs of study. The dissertation surveys and documents the actual availability of courses and academic opportunities in sport studies and performance at NCAA Division I-A colleges and universities. The data from the survey substantiates the fact that colleges and universities have failed to teach those in sport about sport. Following this, a review of the relationships that exist between dance and sport is put forth. Demonstrating the proximity of dance to sport provides support for the consideration of sport performance as a legitimate program of study in higher education. Using dance performance in higher education as a model, a program of study for college athletes is suggested that incorporates their interests into a legitimate and bona fide program of study. Supplementing the presentation of the sport studies and performance program are evaluations of the suggested model by leaders of the sport establishment.