Sean Smith had already earned two degrees online when he enrolled in the University of Miami's online graduate program in sport administration in January. He said he figured he had a pretty good idea of what to expect as an online student.
Smith, a decorated Army and Navy veteran with dreams of working for the NFL, said what he wasn't prepared for was how engaged faculty at the U were with their online students.
"The big difference to me was the quality of the professors and the standards at Miami seemed higher (than at other programs,)" said Smith, 46, who lives in Las Vegas and was working security for the Las Vegas Raiders before leaving to pursue his master's full time.
"We have the same professors who teach on campus," he added. "That makes a big difference. Our professors demand as much from their online students as from any other student in the program."
Smith was recently featured in a VFW Help the Hero fundraising campaign hosted by Sport Clips, which has raised $15.3 million for veteran scholarships since 2013. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, participating stores will offer free haircuts for veterans and active duty military.
"I was honored to be selected and highlighted as an example of who the scholarship is for," Smith said. "I'm proud to represent the Navy and the University of Miami."
His time at the U has already been impactful, Smith said.
In October, he flew to Miami to interview for an internship with FIFA for the World Cup, which will be hosted in Miami and 15 other cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
"It was a great opportunity, and it was made clear to me (by my professors) that I had as good a chance as anyone (in the on-campus program,)" said Smith, who expects to graduate in May 2026. "I'm trying to look ahead and not wait until graduation to begin looking for jobs."
Jill Buban, associate provost for online learning, said UOnline's flexible, fully online graduate programs and certificates are ideal for active military and veterans to continue their studies no matter where they are stationed.
"As a Yellow Ribbon school and one of the top military-supportive universities in the U.S., we are committed to meeting the educational needs of our active duty military service members and veterans," Buban said.
While on campus for the FIFA interview, Smith made time to meet with several of his professors, including Windy Dees, graduate program director for sport administration with the School of Education and Human Development.
"Professor Dees immediately sat me down and asked about my career goals," Smith said. "That was one of her main areas of focus. It wasn't just about my classes, though we did discuss that. It's also about what you plan to do after graduation."
Dees said she believes the skills Smith acquired during his military career have served him well in his online academic career.
"Sean is talented and driven," Dees said. "I think his work ethic and drive come from his successful military career prior to joining our program at Miami."
Smith said the support he has received as a student veteran at the University has been exceptional as well.
"Any time I've called with a question, they have been very helpful," Smith said of the University's Veterans Services Department and Veterans Resource Center.
"I've worked in VA offices before, and the process can be difficult to understand," he added. "The process at UM is very smooth and easy. It's by far the best I've ever dealt with."
As for his interest in the NFL, Smith said he has always had a love for football and as a former student athlete, he said he sees a lot of similarities between sports and the military.
"There is a camaraderie that comes with being part of a military organization that also translates into the world of sports," he said. "Everyone is in it together. If you're on the business side, you're working to get fans activated to go to the game. If you're on the operations side, you're helping the players get ready to compete. Everyone has a piece of those wins and losses."
Dees said she has seen many military members and veterans do well in the program, online and on campus.
"We are so proud of Sean and all our veterans that are current students or alumni of sport administration," she said. "We thank them for their service to our country. Thank you, Canes!"
