Faculty

• The department is staffed with PhDs from top graduate programs
• Strong network
• Multiple professors have won awards for their teaching
• Professors are published experts in their subfields

Benefits of the Program

• Provides hands-on experience necessary for post-graduate success
• Small class sizes enable skill development
• Flexible major or minor
• Knowledgeable and outgoing faculty
• Internships nationwide (list of internships)

Network

• Alumni from all areas of the country in association with the GVSU Sport Management Program
• Variety of connections with different skills and knowledge as it pertains to the sport industry
• Resources available to connect with other alumni, industry professionals, current students, faculty, etc.

Prospective Students! Read the Alumni spotlights below to gain a better understanding of the GVSU Sport Management Program and career opportunities post-grad.

• Middle School and High School Athletics
• West Michigan Sports Commission
• U.S. Olympics Committee 
• American Hockey League

• NCAA Division I and Division II Collegiate Athletics
• National Basketball Association
• National Football League

• Major League Baseball
• Private Fitness Clubs
• Graduate Assistantships

Your career starts with you, develops in the classroom, and continues in the field. Sport Management is an excellent preparation for a wide variety of jobs and careers. Many classes feature hands on experience, simulations and real-world problem solving. Our small class sizes enable you to develop the skills needed to advance in your career and/or graduate school:

• Critical thinking
• Research
• Data analysis
• Digital literacy
• Writing
• Oral communication

We require internships for our students. Internships are available all over the state of Michigan and the country! For more information on internships, head over to our practicum and internships page.

• Mike Przydzial- Associate Director of Recreation and Wellness, GVSU

• Isaac Hughes- Sports Program Coordinator, Florida Gulf Coast

• Samuel Zemke- Operations Coordinator, Rikpen Baseball

• Matthew Collins- Collegiate Development Coordinator, USA Team Handball

• Rahju Blackman- Assistant Football Coach, University of Indianapolis

• Liam Trost- Coordinator of Equipment and Facilities, Springfield College

• William Silvey- Ticket Operations and Service Manager, Grand Rapids Griffins

• Ellie Shannon- Senior Associate Athletic Director, Wake Forest

• Madison Summerfield- Assistant Director of Development, Ole Miss

• Joshua Borger: Director of Marketing and Fan Development at GVSU Athletics 

• Deonté Hurst: Inside Sales Consultant at New Orleans Pelicans and Saints 

• Karl Holmes: AD of Player Development at University of Oregon 

• Frankie Cavallaro: Athletics Accounting Associate at University of Michigan 

• Hayden Johnson: Account Executive at Grand Rapids Gold

• Taylor Whitehead: Fan Services Representative at Chicago Bears

• Lindsay Chamberlin: Business Development Account Executive at Detroit Lions

• Carl Soderling: Director of Social Responsibility at Malmo RedHawks (Swedish Hockey League)

• Raphael Kirkland: AD of Athletic Facilities at the University of Tennessee 

• Megan Belke- Director of Basketball Operations, Miami University (OH)

• Andrew Postema:  Partnerships and Marketing, Berlin Raceway

• Emily Salmon: Ticket Sales Coordinator, Detroit Red Wings

• Michael Fraula: Events Coordinator, Big Bear Ice Arena

• Stone Whipple: First Associate Professional, American Dunes Golf Course

• Timothy Osborne:  Analyst, Strategy, Analytics, Barclays Center

• Torria Robinson:  Associate Athletic Director, Wayne State University

• Rashound Cobb: Lead Membership Specialist, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

• Alyssa Bey: Event Coordinator, West Michigan Sports Commission

• Eddie Alexander: Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships, North Region NASCAR

• Derrick Lessor: Assistant Director of Competitive Sports, Penn State

• Thomas Capers:  Director of Student Athlete Development, University of Mount Olive

• Emily Milne: Ticket Operations Coordinator, West Michigan Whitecaps

• Nate Bonter: Assistant Baseball Coach, Millikin University