What do you believe is the most valuable element of your program?
The most valuable element of the Master of Arts in Sport Management & Administration is the opportunity to make connections with professionals at every level of sport. This is true for becoming a member of a cohort, to interactions with expert faculty and experiences with collegiate and professional sport leaders. The program is designed from start to finish to give students not just the basics of being a sport manager but also the professional introductions to explore new career opportunities.
The most valuable element of the Master of Arts in Sport Management & Administration is the opportunity to make connections with professionals at every level of sport. This is true for becoming a member of a cohort, to interactions with expert faculty and experiences with collegiate and professional sport leaders. The program is designed from start to finish to give students not just the basics of being a sport manager but also the professional introductions to explore new career opportunities.
Both programs seek to develop professionals with leadership skills founded on a strong Christian worldview.
How/Why did you enter this field?
I entered this profession as a teacher, coach and certified athletic trainer. I have taught and coached at the collegiate level. As a certified athletic trainer, I served as the head Athletic Trainer for a small college. This also opened opportunities to serve at the Boston Marathon for many years as well as events like the Olympic Games, Pan Am Games, and US Figure Skating Championships. As a faculty member and Program Director, it has always been my mission to engage with students to help them realize their professional goals and dreams.
How does a student succeed in your program?
As in all professions students need to be passionate about their goals. They need to be open to new ideas and be willing to invest themselves in the opportunities that arise. Whether in the classroom, at work or in internship experiences, students need to engage fully in the educational moments that happen in a variety of settings. Employers, clients and patients will observe a student’s passion and know that this is someone who is invested in everyone’s success. Students succeed in our programs not only through engaging in the classroom but also through internships and opportunities for professional growth.
What advice would you give to someone interested in your program/industry?
Those individuals who are interested in Sport Management & Administration, making connections! Opportunities come along from being educationally prepared but also because of hands-on experiences with people in the professions. It is important to get to know and work with folks and to make yourself known.
For those interested in a career in Exercise Science it is important to use every opportunity to develop skills and gain certifications for a variety of work settings: hospitals, health clubs, health agencies and fitness centers.
What course is your favorite to teach and why?
I have a few favorite courses. Social Issues in Sport taught from a social theory approach. This gives us an opportunity to explore current social issues from a variety of perspectives and explore how culture impacts Sport. I love teaching various forms of Kinesiology and Biomechanics to understand the structure and function of the human body. Wellness across the lifespan to emphasis the importance of wellbeing throughout the various stages of life and life’s circumstances.
Anything else you would like to share?
Just like all of the other program directors at SNU, our desire is to help students reach their dreams of becoming competent, caring and Christlike professionals. You will not find a more supportive educational environment to pursue your graduate degrees than Southern Nazarene University.
Learn more about SNU's Master of Arts in Sport Management & Administration or Master of Science in Exercise Science.
