With a successful career in sports, wellness, and non-profit management that spans more than three decades, Jeffrey Jordan did not expect to go back to school for a master's degree at this stage of his life.
Years ago, after earning his bachelor's degree in business, Jordan said he started an online master's program in education, but once he had a family, grad school was put on the back burner.
In 2019, when his alma mater, New Jersey City University, recruited him to serve as its senior associate athletic director for operations and university advancement, Jordan found himself immersed in all aspects of sports management, from facilities and operations to fundraising, budgeting, and marketing.
Because of his extensive experience, the university's business school asked him to look into creating a non-credit program for sports facility management.
Jordan's research led him to the University of Miami's sport administration program, offered through the School of Education and Human Development, both in-person and online.
"I immediately thought, "This program is speaking to my life,'" said Jordan, a former student athlete whose time on the basketball court earned him a spot in his university's sports hall of fame.
"The blending of education and sports is everything I've done and am currently doing in my professional life," he explained. "Finding the UOnline program was a perfect fit."
As a college football fan, he was also happy to attend the University of Miami, after following the athletic program for decades.
"When I was in college, my favorite football team was the U," he said. "To finally come here has been a dream come true."
Jordan, who is 58, said he enjoyed the diversity of students in his UOnline cohort. He even met a few when he traveled to campus for various networking opportunities like the Global Sport Industry Conference and several Hurricane football and basketball games.
"My peers may be 30 years younger than me, but they all bring something different to the conversation," he said. "I know I'm an outlier. But as a lifelong learner, I wanted the foundational knowledge to back up what I've always had in street smarts."
Jordan said he is certain he'll carry that knowledge onto the field in his athletic director role.
"Having this opportunity to tie everything back into the theory and practice just closes the loop for me," he explained. "It adds to my toolbox and enables me to become an even wiser administrator."
With courses in ethics and leadership, Jordan said he expects his degree to influence his coaches as well.
"Expanding their perspective to be more global thinkers and leaders instead of being in their own silo will impact their decision-making and leadership abilities," he said.
"Getting my master's in sport administration from the School of Education and Human Development is one of my most rewarding accomplishments that will also benefit those I lead and serve."
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