Richard Mull

Richard Mull was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1994.

A two-time graduate of West Virginia University, Mull earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1967 and his master’s degree in 1968. As an undergraduate, he served as president of Sigma Nu fraternity and was actively involved in intramural sports, eventually becoming supervisor for men’s intramurals and officiating games. He remained at WVU as an instructor and served as Director of Men’s Intramural and Recreational Sports. He also coached the Mountaineer tennis team during the 1972 season.

Mull joined the faculty at Indiana University in 1972, where he advanced from assistant professor to director of recreational sports and later led the Recreational Sports Building and Tennis Pavilion. He also served as Director of the Center for Student Leadership Development. A longtime advisor and consultant in the field, Mull coauthored widely used textbooks including Recreational Sport Management and Recreational Facility Management.

Nationally, Mull was a leading figure in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), serving as Vice President and holding roles on multiple committees. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including NIRSA’s Honor Award, Indiana University’s Office for Women’s Affairs Athletic Award, the Shoemaker Special Merit Award, the Armstrong Ambassador Award, and the Student Recreational Sports Association Honor Award.

Mull retired from Indiana University in 2006 after 35 years of service.