The faculty who teach the University of Miami’s online courses come from different backgrounds and are experts in vastly different fields. However they all have one key character trait in common: they share a deep sense of responsibility for equipping students with the tools needed to be successful. In a series of blog posts, we will be putting a spotlight on faculty members from different UOnline graduate programs. Meet UOnline Senior Lecturer Paul Resnick.
For students at the University of Miami’s Master of Education -Sport Administration program, their first course, Organization and Administration in Sports Programs (KIN 601), provides an introduction to the program itself and to the faculty, including Senior Lecturer Paul Resnick, who teaches the course.
“We want to give students a basic foundation of what it is like in the sport industry and lay the groundwork for the rest of the program. Students receive a snapshot of each of their future classes and what their expectations are.”
Mr. Resnick joined the Sport Administration faculty in the fall of 2009. Prior to that, he taught Sport Administration classes as an adjunct professor at the U in 2007 and spring of 2009. He received an M.A. in 2003 and his B.A. in 2000, both from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens.
The UOnline program is ideal for people pursuing a career in the sport industry because it fits into the “crazy schedules” that many working professionals have, said Resnick. But just because students aren’t on campus doesn’t mean they are an afterthought for the faculty.
Email communication is the norm for online learning, but it “isn’t a personal enough touch for me,” said Mr. Resnick. “I encourage students to call me and give them my number to reach out personally and work through any questions they have.” All faculty members at the U make an effort to be accessible and help students succeed, whether they are online or on campus.
Mr. Resnick’s students get the benefit of his experience working in professional sports. He worked for the Miami Marlins for six years, assisting the executive staff and coordinating special projects, before moving up to Community Affairs for the next five seasons. He was also part of the team’s 2003 World Series Championship. His duties included overseeing the Marlins Speakers Bureau, Ballpark Buddies for Youth, Community & Arts Program, as well as coordinating the team newsletter and events calendar. He also worked very closely with local and national not-for-profits. He is past Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee and Advisory Board Member of Best Buddies Broward.
Community connections and networking are especially important in sport careers, and something the Sport Administration program prides itself on.
“I think the network connections that we have are unmatched. We have a mission to expand our network base and build connections around the world. Our opportunities stretch beyond the border of the state of Florida. We are great relationship-builders and want to get our students in front of the right people.”
Resnick added, “Being from the more practical side of the industry, the program is going to give you that competitive edge to get ahead.” Whether someone is already working in sports or looking for a career change to something that is fast-paced and exciting, the Sport Administration program can help, he said. “We provide our students with all the tools necessary to be successful in the industry.”
To find out more about the University of Miami’s graduate programs in Sport Administration, speak with an enrollment advisor at 800-411-2290 or visit the site for more information.
