ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Fall 2025 is upon us, it seems like just a short time ago I was thinking about what to write for the Fall 2024 newsletter. The passing of time does seem to go more quickly as one ages, or at least it does for me. We are looking forward to another great year. The department continues to be blessed with wonderful students in all three degree programs, and our fantastic faculty and staff members are all still in their respective positions.
We did not have any new hires in the 2024-2025 academic year, but I am pleased to share that we have an active search for a new Assistant/Associate Professor (tenure-track) scheduled to start in Fall 2026. We are searching for a colleague with an emphasis in the business content area. This is a wonderful opportunity to further strengthen the department and to enable us to better serve our student population.
Following the tragic events in April 2025, we are optimistic that Fall 2025 will bring a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose to provide the best possible academic experience for our students. In the coming year, Spring 2026 specifically, we will have new offerings that include, as part of the respective courses, trips to Italy and Panama during Spring Break. There are some exciting opportunities for faculty members in the department to partner with the sport governing bodies in Panama, to conduct research, engage in projects with students, all in an effort to assist with the growth of the Panamanian sport industry. We will also experience something new in Tallahassee this Fall. The renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium is nearing completion. Those attending football games will be in for increased service and improved seating.
I continue to be impressed with the teaching and research activities of the faculty members. The faculty members are engaged in interesting and exciting work in areas such as sports gambling, issues with NIL, improving health and wellness through sport, and performance management and optimization through sports data analytics…just to name a few. We continue to provide students opportunities for networking and engagement with sport industry professionals. The Global Sport programming in Spain and the United Kingdom is thriving, and new opportunities to work with industry partners are being developed. The department continues moving forward, and I am very pleased to be part of the journey. Please enjoy reading about what has been going on, and please follow up and let us know how you are doing.
Regards,
Jeff D. James, Ph.D. Sport Management Department Chair
Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Florida
State University
STUDENT TRIPS
SEC Championship, The Pro Cup, Under Armour All-American, College Football Playoff, Women’s College World Series
STUDY ABROAD
Spain, United Kingdom
NASSM CONFERENCE
Dean Damon Andrew Receives Prestigious Sport Management Award
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Nikolas Webster
CLASS SPOTLIGHT
Highlighting Community Impact Through Service Learning
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Jason Pappas
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
On the cover: Study Abroad during Summer 2025, United Kingdom, p.16
SEC Championship
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, DECEMBER 4-8, 2024
By Samuel Stevens
From December 4th to December 8th, a group of graduate and undergraduate sports management students traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to work the SEC Championship FanFest. At the event, the students worked with Bespoke Sports & Entertainment. Following instructions from the event organizers, the students worked with members of Bespoke and sports management students from the University of South Carolina to set up six footprints that belonged to various companies such as Bush’s Beans, Academy Outdoor Sports, Sprouts Farmers Market, Johnsonville, and Sonic Drive-in.
Before completing the set-up stage of the event, the student volunteers had the opportunity to tour State Farm Arena and communicate with current professionals associated with the Atlanta Hawks organization. A panel of five current members of the Atlanta Hawks was held and gave many of the student volunteers opportunities to ask questions to gain insight on how to stay
motivated, and ways to differentiate themselves and continue to grow in their sports management journey. This was also a great opportunity for the student volunteers to make connections with people who already held positions in areas of interest.
Once the setup was complete, the student volunteers were spread out to work the FanFest at one of the six different footprints. The FanFest experience consisted of working with other student volunteers and the company footprints to collect data, communicate with visitors, and assist with spreading information about the various companies. This experience gave the student volunteers an opportunity to be in real-world scenarios in the sports and entertainment industry. They also learned valuable lessons that they can apply to other industries and endeavors such as responsibility, communication, and teamwork. ∎
The Pro Cup
PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA, DECEMBER 11-14, 2024
By Li Su
From December 11th to 14th, I and six fellow FSU Sport Management Graduate students had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the inaugural Pro Cup at the prestigious Innisbrook Golf Resort. Organized by Etzel, a renowned live events agency based in Oregon, the Pro Cup is part of the Pro Rivals Open series. This innovative golf tournament brings together professional athletes from four major sports leagues—basketball, baseball, football, and hockey—in a Ryder Cup-style competition that beautifully blends camaraderie with intense competition. As volunteers, we played an essential role in ensuring the success of this event. Our diverse volunteer roles offered us a chance to experience the event from multiple perspectives. One of our primary responsibilities was managing admissions, where we checked in VIPs and regular guests, fostering a welcoming and professional environment. Another essential role involved marshaling the courses. We ensured that the crowd maintained
appropriate behavior, keeping the atmosphere respectful and preventing fans from crowding or disrupting the athletes. One of the most exciting and hands-on tasks we were assigned was serving as scorekeepers and sign bearers for the golfers. This involved following the athletes through all 18 holes, tracking scores accurately, and engaging with the players. This responsibility offered us a unique chance to interact with professional athletes, gaining insights into their personalities and perspectives.
The trip’s highlight came after our volunteer shifts when Brad Terada, the Vice President of Etzel, graciously gave us an in-depth tour of the event facilities. This tour provided us with a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a high-caliber event like the Pro Cup. During the tour, Brad introduced us to various Etzel employees, each sharing their professional journeys and offering invaluable advice on breaking into and succeeding in the event management industry. They spoke about the skills, dedication, and creative prob-
lem-solving required to execute events. Brad also shared detailed insights into producing an event like the Pro Cup, from logistical planning to implementing a seamless guest and athlete experience. He shared behind-the-scenes details, from initial planning stages to final execution, offering us a deeper understanding of the strategic and logistical considerations involved. One of the most memorable moments during the tour was meeting Tom Etzel, the CEO and founder of the agency. Tom recounted the company’s origin story and how it has grown to become a key player in the live events industry. Mr. Etzel also provided us with an overview of Etzel’s history, its growth, and the range of prestigious events the company has managed, such as the College Football Playoff (CFP) Championship Tailgate.
Overall, this experience was an excellent opportunity to develop hands-on skills in event management and an inspiring journey that allowed us to learn directly from professionals at the top of their field. The Pro Cup gave us a firsthand look at the hard work and collaboration necessary to create world-class events while giving us a glimpse of what it takes to thrive in the sports and live events industries. This trip has undoubtedly reinforced our passion for sport management and event coordination, motivating us to pursue our career goals with newfound knowledge and enthusiasm. ∎
Under Armour All-American
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, JANUARY 2, 2025
By Li Su
FSU Sport Management students had the opportunity to attend the Under Armour All American Event in Orlando over the winter break. The event comprised of All-American Football, All-American Volleyball, and All-American Flag games. We had over 200 players in total travelling from across the country. Intersport is an agency that helps Under Armour execute this event and they were our main point of contact. Students got to witness and help
with event set-up at venues such as Mariott World Resort Orlando, ESPN Wide World of Sports, UCF etc. In addition to event management, students gained insights into player management, media and worked with other agencies such as OzTech, 3SSTEP Sports etc. FSU students were critical in ensuring a smooth execution of the event. ∎
College Football Playoff
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, JANUARY 2025
By Maci Hudson
In January, eight students had the opportunity to participate in a professional development trip to Atlanta, GA, to work the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. This experience, which involved working the pregame tailgate setup with ETZEL, provided invaluable hands-on experience in event operations and facilitated significant networking opportunities.
Working with ETZEL, a company known for managing high-profile sporting event activations, gave students first hand exposure to the logistical complexities of organizing a major college football event. The pregame tailgate setup required attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. We were involved in setting up sponsorship activations and arranging fan engagement areas in the Home Depot Backyard and International Plaza at Mercedes Benz Stadium. We had to ensure the overall event space was prepared for thousands of attendees who would soon flood the tailgate areas. These responsibilities helped students develop a greater appreciation for the behind-the-scenes efforts that contribute to a successful fan experience.
One of the most valuable takeaways was learning to adapt to challenges in real-time. Whether it was adjusting layouts due to unexpected space limitations or coordinating with vendors to meet last-minute requests, we saw firsthand how flexibility is crucial in sports event management. Students also gained experience
working under pressure, as every detail needed to be finalized before game day, reinforcing the importance of efficiency and teamwork in the industry. Beyond the operational experience, this trip provided unparalleled networking opportunities. We had the opportunity to meet professionals from various sectors of the sports industry. These interactions allowed us to ask questions, learn from experienced professionals, and gain insight into potential career paths. Also, being able to connect with students and interns who share similar career aspirations was very valuable. These relationships are just as important as professional networking because they create a supportive network of peers who may one day become colleagues in the sports industry. The ability to exchange experiences and career advice with like-minded individuals reinforced the importance of continuously learning from others in the field. This professional development trip to the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship was an enriching experience that combined practical event operations work with meaningful career networking. ∎
FSU Sport Management Students Gain Real-World Experience at the 2025 Women’s College World Series
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
By Maci Hudson
From May 29 to June 2, seven Florida State University Sport Management students traveled to Oklahoma City for a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the top tier of collegiate softball and professional sports operations. The group, led by Dr. Jason Pappas, represented the FSU Sport Management Department at the 2025 Women’s College World Series (WCWS), held at Devon Park—a world-class venue set to host events for the upcoming LA Olympics.
This year’s WCWS drew an impressive crowd of 119,778 fans over 10 days, creating an electric atmosphere and setting the stage for an unforgettable educational experience. For the FSU students, the trip offered far more than a glimpse into elite softball—it provided direct exposure to the inner workings of the sports industry, from collegiate athletics to major league franchises.
The group’s first stop was with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had just clinched the Western Conference title and were preparing for the NBA Finals. They were welcomed by FSU alumna Brooke Brennan, a 2023 Sport Management master’s graduate, now working as a Social Media Coordinator for the Thunder. Students learned about fan engagement strategies, communication methods, HR operations, and the team’s social media presence. A key takeaway was the Thunder’s customer service model, “CLICK”— Communicate courteously, Listen to learn, Initiate immediately, Create connections, and Know your stuff.
The next day, the students visited the Oklahoma City Comets, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into facility operations, ticketing, and corporate partnerships. General Manager Kyle Daughtery and Assistant GM Mitch Stuebenhofer led a facility tour and discussed the city’s MAPS initiative—publicly funded through a 1% sales tax— to enhance community infrastructure, including sports venues.
Academic support in collegiate athletics took center stage during visits to the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. At OU, the group met with Michael Meade and Scottlyn (last name TBD) to explore how student-athletes are supported academically. At OSU, Athletic Director Chad Weiberg personally gave the group a Saturday morning tour of the athletic facilities and football stadium, highlighting the university’s strategic planning in response to new financial models in college sports.
One of the most impactful parts of the trip was volunteering at the Women’s College World Series. Students assisted in two key areas: NCAA Fan Fest and media operations. Under the guidance of Asia Thompson, they helped create a vibrant atmosphere for
fans before the games. Meanwhile, another group worked with Lindsay Magness from the University of Oklahoma’s Sports Information Department, supporting media coordination, stats reporting, and press conference logistics.
This unique blend of professional development, hands-on learning, and networking made for an unforgettable experience. The students left Oklahoma City better prepared and more inspired to pursue careers in the ever-evolving world of sport management. ∎
FSU Sport Management Students Explore Global Sport Industry in Spain
By Dr. Katie Flanagan and Dr. Devra Waldman
This summer, a group of Florida State University Sport Management students spent four immersive weeks studying abroad in Spain through the Global Sport Management International Program. Led by FSU faculty members Dr. Katie Flanagan and Dr. Devra Waldman, the program offered a unique opportunity for students to explore international sport management in one of Europe’s most vibrant and sports-centric countries.
The program was based in Valencia, a coastal city known for its deep sports roots and cultural heritage. From this home base, students traveled to two of Spain’s most iconic cities—Barcelona and Madrid—each for a week, expanding their exposure to different regional approaches to sport operations, culture, and business.
Throughout the trip, students had the rare opportunity to meet with top sport executives across Spain, gaining firsthand insights into the country’s professional sport systems. A major highlight was learning about La Liga, Spain’s top-tier football league, and visiting some of the nation’s most storied football stadiums. These included the home of Valencia CF, FC Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou, Atletico de Madrid, and RCD Espanyol’s modern stadium in Barcelona. The behind-the-scenes tours and conversations with club professionals offered a comprehensive look at how elite European football clubs operate both on and off the pitch.
Beyond football, the program provided diverse sporting experiences. Students participated in the America’s Cup Experience in Valencia, learning about the historic sailing competition while getting out on the water themselves. They also visited the home golf course of Spanish professional golfer Sergio García, as well as the Real Federacion de Golf, gaining a glimpse into the business of golf and athlete branding in Europe.
Adding a uniquely personal element to the trip, the group met with Spanish football legend David Villa. Villa, one of Spain’s most celebrated players and a World Cup champion, shared insights from his storied career and offered advice to students pursuing careers in sport.
Cultural immersion was a key component of the program. Students participated in a paella cooking class, experiencing Valencia’s culinary traditions firsthand, and attended a flamenco dance show that highlighted Spain’s rich performing arts heritage. They even tried their hand at pelota, a traditional Spanish court sport, deepening their understanding of regional games and their role in cultural identity.
Academically, students explored current global issues in sport, international venue management, and sport event planning through site visits, guest lectures, and hands-on experiences. One particularly immersive experience was when the students visited the EDEM Business School in Valencia. There, students received presentations from successful entrepreneurs, and had their own chance to design their own business pitches for new projects in the industry to experienced professionals. By combining classroom learning with real-world exposure, the program offered students a comprehensive perspective on the global sport industry.
This unforgettable journey not only enhanced students’ academic knowledge and professional skills, but also broadened their global awareness and cultural appreciation. For many, the program reinforced their passion for pursuing careers in international sport.
As sport continues to globalize, experiences like the FSU Global Sport Management International Program equip students with the tools and insights necessary to thrive in a competitive and dynamic industry—making them not just future sport managers, but global sport leaders. ∎
Study Abroad during Summer 2025
UNITED KINGDOM
By Dr. Tim Kellison and Dr. Kris White
The Department of Sport Management continued a summer tradition by offering an enriching overseas study abroad program in London. Now in its 20th year, this comprehensive Global Sport Management program has established itself as a premier educational opportunity, offering 20 students a distinctive combination of academic coursework and hands-on exposure to the international sports industry.
Through visits to premier sporting facilities, including Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Lord’s Cricket Ground, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, students gained valuable insights into international venue operations and explored how they compare to American sports facilities. The program also featured extraordinary opportunities to attend two of Europe’s most prestigious sporting events: The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland and the renowned Wimbledon Championship. These historic tournaments provided students with firsthand exposure to the rich traditions and cultural significance of European sport. Additional memorable experiences included scaling the O2 Arena, experiencing King George Friday Raceday at Royal Ascot, and a comprehensive three-day Northern Ireland excursion exploring Belfast, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the iconic Giant’s Causeway.
The program was further enhanced by industry professionals who shared their knowledge and career insights with students. Guest speakers included renowned sustainability expert Claire Poole, NFL Senior Team Operations Manager Paul Deakin, and Jack Cole, who discussed career opportunities in golf. These presentations provided invaluable networking opportunities and practical advice for students pursuing various paths within sports management.
Emerson Lister, a master’s student on the trip, shared: “I have a significant passion for traveling abroad and sport, so having the opportunity to combine the two has been nothing short of amazing.” Other students highlighted how attending the marquee events grew their appreciation of both sport and the way events were managed and delivered. Reflecting on his experience at Royal Portrush, undergraduate student Josh Kelsky said, “The Open gave incredible access to the fans and exemplified what a major tournament should look like. There was a clear focus on fan enjoyment and access…a tremendous example of what a sporting event should encourage and yet another reminder of how beautiful sports can be when managed properly. [It was an] incredible experience that I will never, ever, forget.”
For graduate student Jordynn Johnson, attending Wimbledon “has always been a dream of mine, and dreams come true.” She continued: “Getting to experience Wimbledon didn’t just give me a bigger perspective and appreciation for the international sport, but it allowed me to really think and know that working in sport operations is the right path for me, where I can help shape meaningful and memorable experiences for athletes and the fans.”
Summing up the Global Sport Management program’s value, Dr. Kris White said: “This program is an extraordinary experience that gives students a broadened perspective of sport, the industry,
and culture more generally. Students came to realizations about practices of sport businesses within the US as compared to the UK, and how they can take these ideas to optimize the organization they work for. Whether it was marketing, sustainability, facilities, finance, or global development, the students on this trip expressed an irreplaceable sense of learning and motivation from our time in London.” ∎
FSU’S NASSM 2025 Marked by a Wide Range of Presentations and the Society’s Highest Honor
By Thomas Raffin
The 2025 North American Society for Sport Management conference was held in San Diego, California from Tuesday May 27th to Friday May 30th. Florida State’s Department of Sport Management maintained its prominent place in the field, with significant representation from Faculty, Doctoral Students, and Alumni of the program. These Seminoles left their mark on the conference, with their involvement stretching across more than 25 posters, panels, and presentations. This work, which represented countless hours of intensive research and collaboration, showcased the past, present, and future of the FSU Sport Management program. Of note, Dean Damon Andrew of the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences received NASSM’s highest honor, as he was named the recipient of the 2025 Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award. The Zeigler Award to presented to the member of NASSM who has made significant contributions to sport management through scholarship, research and leadership and may only be awarded once in a career. Dean Andrew presented his Earle F. Zeigler Keynote lecture as a part of the Founders’ Awards Night festivities which focused on the importance of continued professional development within the field of Sport Management.
NASSM 2025 also saw the return of the annual department social. The social was attended by more than 40 current students and alumni from far and wide. In addition to creating a space for networking opportunities between students, faculty, and alumni, and the chance for old friends and classmates to catch up, the social provided Dean Andrew and Dr. James the space to give updates on the direction of the Sport Management Department and the College as a whole, as we continue to grow and change.
As a whole, NASSM 2025 represented yet another successful conference and space for the FSU Department of Sport Management to shine on a National and International Stage. Moreover, it solidified old bonds, facilitated new friendships, and strengthened ties that will last decades as we continue to push both the department and field forward. ∎
Dean Damon Andrew Receives Prestigious Sport Management Award
By Josh Duke
Florida State University Anne’s College boasts a world-class sport management program, built over the years through a combined effort of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. However, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge the support, leadership, and excellence of Dean Damon Andrew. A renowned scholar in the field of sport management, Andrew received the 2025 Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award by the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM). The award, the most prestigious given by NASSM, is given only once a year and recognizes an individual who has made significant contribution to the field of sport management through research, leadership, and scholarship.
He received the award in May at the annual NASSM Conference, which took place this year in San Diego, California. At the event, he presented his thoughts on the field in a lecture titled “Sport Management is only as Strong as its Weakest Link: Exploring Reputation and Legitimacy of the Sport Management Academic Discipline from a Higher Education Administrator’s Perspective.”
Andrew has been dean of Anne’s College since 2018 and has guided the college to historic heights. In 2024, the college received its highest ranking ever from U.S. News and World Report, achieving a #6 rank among public colleges of education. During his tenure, he has secured numerous faculty lines, funding opportunities, and stewarded both a transformative expansion of the college and an historic naming gift.
His love for Florida State University extends well beyond his time as dean, however. Andrew received his Ph.D. from FSU in Sport Management, and he credits the program as a pivotal part of his career. His research and insights has produced a highly successful academic career, with an acclaimed textbook (now in its third edition), 33 funded grants and contracts totaling more than $3 million in funding, 215 peer-reviewed articles, proceedings, and book chapters, and 147 presentations at both national and international conferences. Furthermore, he was recently named a United Nations UREKA Fellow at a ceremony in Switzerland.
The Earle F. Zeigler Award is named after the eponymous scholar, widely regarded as a founding figure of modern Sport Management studies. Zeigler taught Physical Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign until 1971, when he left to become the inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education at the University of Western Ontario, where he served until his retirement. ∎
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Nikolas Webster
Clinical Assistant Professor in Sport Management & Faculty Director for the Office of Global Engagement, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan
Nikolas Webster (Ph.D., Florida State University, 2021) is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Sport Management and the Director of Global Engagement at the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology. His research focuses on sport consumer behavior and fan experience, with work presented at national and international conferences and published in leading sport management journals. He is the co-developer of the Pickleball Participant Motives Scale (PPMS) and recipient of the School of Kinesiology 2024 - 2025 Students’ Excellence in Teaching Award. In addition to his faculty role, Webster is the founder of Webster Advisory Group, partnering with organizations to design and deliver high-impact academic, professional development, and experiential learning programs. At Michigan, he teaches courses in sport entrepreneurship, sport economics and urban revitalization, and leads global programs that connect students to sport industries worldwide.
What factors influenced your decision to pursue your doctoral studies at Florida State University?
My decision to pursue doctoral studies at FSU was driven largely by the opportunity to work with the Sport Management faculty, particularly Dr. Jeffrey James. As one of the foundational scholars in sport marketing and consumer behavior, Dr. James’s mentorship (along with the offer of a graduate assistantship) was a decisive factor in my choice. I wanted a program that would challenge me intellectually while providing rigorous training in both research and teaching. FSU’s Sport Management department has long been regarded as the gold standard for doctoral student preparation in our field, and it provided exactly the foundation I needed for a long and fulfilling career.
Would you please describe your dissertation research and discuss how it has informed and shaped your current scholarly work?
My dissertation examined the psychological needs that drive fans’ lasting connections to sport objects, such as teams, athletes, and events. I explored how fulfilling those needs can transform casual spectators into deeply committed fans, and how sport organizations can leverage this understanding to foster loyalty over time. While grounded in sport consumer behavior theory, my work also offered practical strategies for designing experiences, marketing, and venues that resonate with audiences. This research has become the foundation of my current scholarly agenda, where I continue to study how sport franchises and organizations can enhance the fan experience. It also shapes my teaching, where I challenge students to think critically about the psychological and emotional dimensions of sport, and my consulting, where I work with organizations to create meaningful, lasting relationships with their audiences.
How would you characterize your teaching philosophy and area of focus?
My teaching philosophy centers on bridging theory with practice through applied, experiential learning. I believe students learn best when they can see how concepts play out in real-world settings, so I design courses that blend research insights with industry projects, case studies, and hands-on problem solving. At Michigan, I teach our Introduction to Sport Management course, which examines the business of sport and how the legal, structural, and economic frameworks of leagues and teams influence decision-making. I also teach Sport Entrepreneurship (a course I first developed as a doctoral candidate at FSU) where students analyze market trends and create their own business ventures. Finally, in my Sport, Economic Development, and Urban Revitalization course, students conduct market analysis, develop data visualizations, and design stadiums and stadium districts based on economic and demographic data. Across all courses, my goal is to prepare students to critically engage with the sport industry and apply their skills to shape its future.
Could you describe your responsibilities as Faculty Director for the Office of Global Engagement at the University of Michigan?
In my role as Director of Global Engagement, I lead the strategic vision for our school’s international initiatives. This includes developing and implementing a strategic plan, cultivating partnerships with universities and providers worldwide, and ensuring programs meet the University of Michigan’s standards for academic quality and cultural immersion. I work closely with faculty to design and approve faculty-led study abroad courses, exchange agreements, and global experiences that prepare students to excel in the global sport and health science industries. My responsibilities also include representing the school in university-wide and professional global engagement networks, managing program budgets, and contributing to policy development. Beyond administration, I lead programs abroad; taking students to meet with sport professionals, tour world-class venues, and explore the cultural and economic contexts in which sport operates. Most recently, I co-taught Global Sport in Spain & Portugal, a two-week program where students visited Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona, meeting with organizations such as Real Madrid and the Portuguese Olympic Committee.
What guidance or suggestions would you offer to current and prospective doctoral students in our program?
For prospective students, there is no better preparation than what FSU’s Sport Management program offers. The faculty are exceptional, and the program gives you the opportunity to develop as a teacher, researcher, and scholar. It is a challenging journey, but one that rewards dedication, resilience, and hard work. I have a few general thoughts and suggestions for current students. First, take full advantage of your time at FSU. You have access to some of the most respected faculty in our field. Learn from them, engage with them, and embrace the opportunities they offer. Be patient with yourself, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or explore new perspectives on sport and life. Second, your dissertation should not limit your future research interests. My own dissertation focused on consumer behavior and psychological need fulfillment, yet my current projects explore topics like college sport, revenue generation, and mixed-use real estate. The real value of your dissertation (and the doctoral program) lies in learning how to think critically and create new knowledge. Third, communicate openly with your advisor about your learning style. For example, I needed more one-on-one meetings with Dr. James to talk through my dissertation, coursework, and leadership responsibilities. Success often comes from recognizing where you need support and being humble enough to ask for it.
Embrace the journey (and the growth that comes with it). Best of luck! ∎
Highlighting Community Impact Through Service Learning
By Dr. Kylee O’Daniel
While sport management often centers on high-profile athletics, service learning offers a meaningful lens into underrepresented sporting communities. The Florida State University (FSU) Sport Management Department is proud to showcase the impactful work our students are doing locally through service learning initiatives.
A cornerstone of both undergraduate and graduate curricula is the integration of service learning into our Diversity in Sport course. Through partnerships cultivated by Dr. Katie Flanagan, Service Learning Coordinator, and the commitment of faculty and students, this initiative continues to yield transformative outcomes for students and community partners alike. Students participate by playing sports, engaging in physical activity, or assisting in the organization of sporting events tailored to the needs of these diverse community groups.
Over the past 10 years, students have engaged in experiential learning with a range of affiliated organizations. Past and current partnerships include:
A county Transition Program for individuals with disabilities
― A local public school serving students with intellectual disabilities
A non-profit organization providing basketball programs for underserved youth
― A state-wide non-profit focused on accessible recreation for persons with disabilities
Homeless resource centers
― Correctional facilities
Four key outcomes have emerged:
Enhanced Knowledge Integration: Students demonstrate a stronger ability to apply course concepts in real-world settings.
Emotional Impact: Students report meaningful emotional connections and increased empathy, often expressing a desire to continue community engagement beyond the classroom. One of the major benefits is that it helps students engage with communities they may not have previously encountered. It fosters a deeper understanding of how different populations live and encourages students to contribute to the betterment of society. One student reflected, “Looking back on my time with basketball programs [with a non-profit organization], I can foresee myself giving back more to the community. The happiness it brought out in the kids made it even more enjoyable to go to and want to go back to.”
― Community Support and Transformation : Partner organizations consistently report positive outcomes from student involvement. In 2024, FSU estimated that students contributed approximately $7.5 million in service hours to the Tallahassee community. One partner shared, “We talk internally all the time about how wonderful our partnership with FSU is and how we couldn’t do this without you and your students!”
Institutional Advancement: Documented service hours are recorded in a campus-wide repository and appear on student transcripts, reinforcing FSU’s commitment to civic engagement and economic contribution.
Each academic year, approximately 300 Sport Management students contribute over 2,000 hours of service to the community. Through service learning, our students are not only gaining valuable experience—they are making a lasting difference through sport. ∎
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Jason Pappas
Teaching Professor Dr. Jason Pappas has recently been awarded the 2025 Ralph Stair Prize in Innovative Education. This prestigious honor recognizes faculty members whose teaching practices demonstrate exceptional creativity, impact, and potential for broader application. Dr. Pappas’s work in the Department of Sport Management exemplifies these qualities through his commitment to experiential learning, technology integration, and student-centered instruction.
At the heart of Dr. Pappas’s innovation is his course, Professional Development in Sport, which combines academic rigor with realworld application. The course is built around three core components: the Technology Sandbox, the Sport Psychology Lab, and Artificial Intelligence integration. These elements provide students with immersive, hands-on experiences that prepare them for the demands of the modern sport industry. Students engage with performance analysis tools, explore mental performance strategies, and learn to leverage AI for personal branding, resume development, and interview preparation.
In addition to these classroom innovations, Dr. Pappas has introduced virtual reality experiences that allow students to simulate event and venue management, athlete training, and sport tourism. These activities, paired with hands-on engagement in the labs, create a dynamic and future-focused learning environment. As Dr. Dina Vyortkina, Assistant Dean for Innovation and Instructional Technology Enhancement, noted, “It is not about the instructor using AI. It is about giving AI skills to students that they can use professionally and ethically.”
Dr. Pappas’s teaching approach is both intentional and comprehensive. He designs learning experiences that introduce students to emerging technologies while challenging them to evaluate their applications in real-world contexts. His students work collaboratively to assess tools like AI and VR, present their findings, and build digital portfolios that showcase their competencies. These innovations have significantly contributed to the department’s exceptional job placement rate, helping students graduate with a clear sense of purpose and a competitive edge in the job market.
Colleagues and students recognize Dr. Pappas as a mentor, advocate, and leader. Dr. Joshua Newman, Associate Dean for Research, emphasized the broader impact of his work: “His visionary approach has redefined educational excellence in our program and established a standard of innovation worthy of recognition and emulation.”
Dr. Pappas’s contributions will be highlighted on the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement website, where they will serve as a resource for faculty across the university. He will be formally honored at a reception on April 22. ∎
Department Highlights
Dr. Ryan Rodenberg collaborated with current and former graduate students on several publications in the first half of 2025. In a new Texas Law Review Online article, Dr. Rodenberg — along with former doctoral student Dr. Sam Ehrlich and current doctoral advisee Scott White — explored the collateral estoppel implications of the House litigation settlement. Dr. Rodenberg and Scott White also completed an article about the Ivy League sports antitrust case that is currently under review at a journal. Dr. Rodenberg and masters student Seth Richey published articles in several journals, including the Wharton Sports Analytics Journal, Gaming Law Review, and UNLV Gaming Law Journal.
Dr. Michael Giardina was inducted as a Fellow (#649) of the National Academy of Kinesiology in September 2024.
Dr. Michael Giardina and Dr. Devra Waldman , along with their colleague Dr. Michele Donnelly (Brock University, Canada), published The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research in Sport & Physical Culture, a major contribution to the politics, philosophies, and practices of inquiry in the field.
Four FSU Sport Management master’s students competed in the 2025 College Sport Research Institute Graduate Case Study Competition, tackling the challenge of distributing NCAA Division I athletics revenue to support athlete Name, Image, and Likeness needs. Luke Krausse, Rieke Gillar, Stephanie Horowitz, and Alex Patterson (guiding faculty members: Drs. David Pifer, Jeff James, Kris White, Jason Pappas) analyzed budget data and financial statements to identify new revenue streams and create equitable NIL fund distribution across athletic programs. Their innovative presentation to college sports experts earned them a tie for first place in points, ultimately securing second place among over 10 competing teams in Columbia, South Carolina, on March 19, 2025.
Dr. Josh Newman, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, was named the Sara Lavinia de Keni Endowed Professor this April. This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Newman’s outstanding contributions to research and his leadership within the college.
Dr. Kylee O’Daniel was honored to be awarded the Dr. Imogene M. Mixon Faculty Leadership Award. Dr. O’Daniel’s receipt of this award reflects her outstanding commitment to service leadership at FSU.