Around the quad

NEW MAJOR & MINORS

Language Study goes Global

Wendell Berry wrote, “Nobody can discover the world for someone else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond, and we cease to be alone.”

Muskingum University is launching Global Studies in the Fall 2023 semester. This interdisciplinary program prepares students for living and working in a global context. Students can major or minor in the program, which has a foundation in the World Languages Department and includes opportunities and coursework across the entire University curriculum.

The core of the program emphasizes intercultural competence as essential for the global society and allows students to orient themselves to their interests within that society. The program focuses on career readiness by preparing students in one of three professional tracks: International Business, Global Humanities (Arts, Cultures, Languages), or Global Organizations and Security.

The program includes high impact practices, such as study abroad and internships, where students gain knowledge and experience in the world outside their own borders. For more information about Global Studies, visit muskingum.edu/academics/global-studies

MASTER's Degree

The Sound of Music

The Department of Music is launching two new minors providing new opportunities to students who are interested in music, furthering its mission to develop students from across campus as lifelong musicians and/or supporters of music and, in considering music as a humanistic practice, to encourage respect and understanding for the diversity of human experience. The department creates tailored and experiential learning opportunities that build a path to individual student success in school, in future careers, and in life.

The Popular Music minor is specifically intended for students participating in Muskie Rocks or one of a handful of other, more commercial-music- minded ensembles. It’s geared toward students who are interested in commercial music, including songwriting, recording, and audio engineering. The new minor in Music and Culture offers the world of music to students who do not sing or play an instrument.

Both minors will be available beginning Fall 2023 semester. For more information about music at Muskingum, visit muskingum.edu/academics/music.

Building Pathways to Graduate Degrees

Muskingum University is making it easier for students majoring in business management, health administration, and sport administration to earn their master’s degree in business information systems. The University designed a 4+1 pathway program where students in these three major areas of study can earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.

The 4+1 program not only shortens the timeline for students to receive their MBIS degree, but it also saves them money. Qualified students can apply for the program in the spring of their junior year. The 4+1 program launches in the Fall 2023 semester

MBIS, which is 100 percent online, is focused on improving business performance through the use of technology. Students can choose from three concentrations: management, health care, or cyber security. To learn more about MBIS, visit muskingum.edu/gcs/mbis.

82 16

CSC American All-District Honors

6

19 Academic All-OAC Honors

32

5

All-OAC Honors

OAC Player of the Week Honors

All-Ohio Bowling Conference Honors

4 OCSA All-Ohio and Academic All-Ohio Honors

3

Academic All-American

1

OAC ScholarAthlete of the Month

Statistical National Champion

CSCA STUNT All-Americans ECAC National Championships -Madden National Qualifiers Programs Ranked in Top 25/Receiving Votes in Top 25

-STUNT -Volleyball

1

Regional Coach of the Year

- Craig Holycross (Archery Head Coach)

Men's Bowling Collegiate Club National Champions

-Men's Bowling

-Women's Bowling

- Women's Basketball Free Throw Shooting Percentage

National Coach of the Year Finalist

-David Jones ( Men's Bowling)

2 2 2 4 1

-Doug Smith ( Women's Bowling)

As the general manager of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, Courtney Knichel ’08 is shattering glass ceilings with baseballs, paving the way for women in the maledominated sport. She didn’t plan this journey, but with the help of her family, along with grit and hard work, she landed her dream job.

A native of Benedict, Maryland, Knichel grew up hearing about Muskingum from her aunt Tami Fitzgerald ’81 and her mom, who also attended Muskingum. About a month before school started, Knichel decided she wanted to attend Muskingum, so she applied and then moved in with her aunt, who lived in Zanesville.

“I made friends, joined Chi Alpha Nu, and became immersed in as many things as I could,” said Knichel. “I fell in love with the campus and campus life, so I moved onto campus. We had the best time of our lives,” she said, adding that “I loved Greek life. I cannot say enough about what it does to prepare you for the workforce. The organization has rules and guidelines that provide structure, and also gave me leadership opportunities.”

While at Muskingum, Knichel played soccer, was a cheerleader, played intramurals, and was the hospitality chair in her sorority. She also worked for the radio and tv stations. “I was a social butterfly,” she said. “When I look back, I did take advantage of college, the lifestyle and everything that I could. I absolutely adored every facet of the Muskingum campus.”

While at Muskingum, Knichel majored in communications, marketing, and English, which not only prepared her academically, but also in a variety of other skills. “Dr. Jerry Martin used to teach all the communications classes including public speaking, resume and cover letter writing, and things that I feel like many people are missing these days,” Knichel said. “Those classes helped me to not be afraid to stand up in front of people and to be assertive. Muskingum gave me opportunities to grow and put myself out there,” Knichel pointed out. “Muskingum and Dr. Martin’s courses gave me a lot of confidence. As a female in a male-dominated industry, such growth in these areas contributed to my success,” she explained.

Knichel enjoys helping current students on their journey. She joins Tom Caudill’s Sports Management class each year, giving her an opportunity to give back to the University and its students. “It has been fun to teach the kids and introduce them to resources like TeamWork Online, where you can find any job in the sports industry.

“I tell them to connect with people via LinkedIn and other social media,” Knichel pointed out. “There is so much value in making connections and building relationships. I also tell students to get as many internships as possible while they are young. That’s where I started my career.”

Having started with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs as an intern the Monday after commencement, Knichel explained, “My mom applied for the internship for me; I got the offer while at a sorority party and wrote the details down on a napkin,” reflected Knichel. “I knew nothing about the business of baseball. I thought I was getting into a 9-5.”

After learning it was not a 9-5 job on her first day, Knichel ditched her stilettos and immersed herself in her work and the field. “I remember getting a call at 3 a.m. one night saying the cleaning crew quit, and we needed to come in and clean the stadium. I was happy to do it. I wanted to do it; I wanted to prove myself,” Knichel made perfectly clear.

It was the inaugural season for the Blue Crabs, and Knichel went above and beyond to market the team, engage the fans, and make the season memorable. In her first year as an intern, not only did she fall in love with her job and the industry, but the marketing manager left, and she was placed in that role.

“I was nervous, but I always gave it my all,” said Knichel. “People always say fake it until you make it. But I say don’t fake it; actually know it. Learn it so you don’t have to fake it.”

Knichel’s hard work paid off as she was soon promoted to Assistant General Manager of Special Events and Marketing and then to Assistant General Manager. She recalls in December 2015, the team owner saying, “Buy yourself a little bit bigger Christmas tree this year; we want you to be GM (general manager).”

“I remember thinking to myself, am I ready for this?” recalled Knichel. “But, I knew I was.” Now eight years later, she is the longest tenured General Manager in the history of the team.

Knichel also focuses on quality of life as she raises three children with her husband Kyle, the former Director of Sales at the Blue Crabs. She credits her success at work-life balance, especially during the season, to her husband. “While he no longer works with me, him knowing the industry and this crazy schedule makes a huge difference,” Knichel pointed out. “I couldn’t do this without him,” she added. “My kids also love being here and love baseball as much as I do.”

Joking that she could never have a regular job, Knichel said, “I would be bored. I thrive under the pressure; I am used to taking on a lot.” She added, “It also helps when you love what you do. I live by the cliché ‘find something that makes you want to get out of bed.’ Even 15 years later, I am excited to come to my job.”

In addition to her giving back to Muskingum students, she also presents on a variety of panels, recently having done so for Major League Baseball. She talks to young females in the industry. She encourages them to focus on the big picture, and not get caught up in all of the little things.

Knichel’s work ethic and positive mindset have indeed earned her the respect of those around her, including the players who she oversees from their first day on the job. “It is not about whether you are a woman or a man, but how earnestly and hard you work to meet the goals of the organization that you work for.” She also emphasized, “I believe you can have it all – the career and the family. You just have to work hard. Working as hard as you can will pay off. It always does!”