The University of Miami’s Master of Education -Sport Administration program has a reputation within the sport industry and academia for a commitment to excellence. Faculty members are recognized as leaders in scholarship and research, and students graduate from the program ready to enter the workforce or continue in their careers as immediate contributors to their organizations.
Furthering that mission is the newly formed Sport Industry Leadership Council (SILC). The idea for the Council was developed last fall in an effort to enhance the annual Sport Industry Conference, said Professor Warren A. Whisenant, Chair of the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at UM.
“The focus was on C-level executives that have decision-making power within their organizations,” he said of reaching out to the founding members of SILC.
Members include a wide range of prominent figures in the sport industry, including alumni such as Stephen Bashore, general manager of Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Oklahoma, as well as other professionals who’ve shown interest in the program, such as Shawn McGee, vice president of marketing, Homestead-Miami Speedway, who serves as the chair of SILC. “We have a close working relationship with Nascar. He’s been a critical figure in establishing the Council,” said Prof. Whisenant.
Stephen Bashore said he’s honored to be a graduate of the University of Miami's Sport Administration program and a founding member of SILC. “Being a part of such a highly respected academic and athletic educational institution is truly rewarding. And being a part of SILC allows me personally to give back to the university that has provided me the best educational experience I have encountered.”
The goals of SILC are focused around expanding UM’s reputation and influence globally as the premier institution for developing future leaders in the sport industry. This will be achieved through such efforts as a monthly speaker series and mentoring opportunities for UM students.
UOnline students of the MSED -Sport Administration program will reap the benefits of SILC just as much as on-campus students, assured Prof. Whisenant. Any events on campus will be streamed live and recorded for online students to access. In addition, many Council members are not based in Miami, so mentorship opportunities can be made available to students no matter where they live.
Students, alumni, and sport industry professionals can learn more about SILC and meet some of the members at the 2018 Sport Industry Conference, being held April 5 and 6 at UM’s Coral Gables campus. For more information on the conference and to register, visit the website.
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.
