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School of Business launches Sports Management Speaker Series this fall

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Posted on Friday, September 25, 2020

The Westminster College Sports Management Program launched a new speaker series this fall giving introductory sports management majors the opportunity to network and gain insight from industry professionals.

“Even during these challenging times of COVID, the sports management program at Westminster College strives to introduce students to successful sports business executives in their career field,” said Dr. Robert Zullo, program coordinator and assistant professor. “The Sports Management Speaker Series featuring industry leaders from across the nation presents a great complement to classroom learning as we are able to discuss the latest issues in our respective fields.

This fall, students listened to engaging presentations from the following professionals:

•    Stephen Keener ’80, president and CEO of Little League Baseball Inc., on the importance of embracing the full liberal arts experience, highlighting integrity and relationships.

•    Hallie Olson, director of global partnerships in conjunction with Legends and Notre Dame Athletics, on the importance of having more skills in your toolbox and how this is a great time for enhancing and embracing diversity within our industry. Olson helps secure sponsorships for Notre Dame’s home games and neutral site games, both domestic and abroad.

•    Mike Metosky, a group sales account executive with the Miami Dolphins, on the value of hustle in preparing for a career in the sports business and how the phrase “ball don’t lie” holds much truth for students striving to get a foot in the door.

•    Matt Chelap, vice president of sports and entertainment marketing leader Octagon, on “Finding their Why,” drawn from the Simon Sinek bestseller “Find Your Why: A Practical Guide for Discovering Purpose for You and Your Team.” Chelap works with the popular ESPN College Gameday program and also the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.

Future speakers include Dr. Karen Resendes, director of Westminster’s Drinko Center for Undergraduate Research, who will discuss how sports management majors can benefit from undergraduate research.

Sports management majors will also have the opportunity to participate in the fourth annual sports management session at this fall’s Professional Networking Symposium. Hosted by Westminster’s Professional Development Center and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the Professional Networking Symposium allows students to network and gain professional development tips from industry professionals, including Westminster alumni.

Sports management students will also attend two national sports managements conferences virtually this fall.
 
Westminster’s sports management major launched in fall 2017. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in high school athletic administration, coaching, intercollegiate athletics and professional sports.

“Though the sports management major is a new one on campus, it is quickly growing in popularity due to the college’s dedicated approach to off-campus learning as well as the business-emphasis of the curriculum, the experiential learning opportunities and the career readiness emphasis,” said Zullo.

For more information about Westminster’s sports management major, visit www.westminster.edu/sportsmanagement or contact Dr. Robert Zullo at zullorh@westminster.edu to learn more about the competitive advantage a Westminster College education affords.

This fall's speakers included, from left, Stephen Keener '80, Hallie Olson, Mike Metosky and Matt Chelap.