In the Winner's Circle: LTU to Offer Sports Management Major

(L to R) Jackie Stavros, Professor of Business, and Mary Ann Metzler, Athletic Director

Sports management traces its roots to 18th century England with the creation of sports clubs and events for the nobility. In the 19th century, “clubs standardized rules, acted to settle disputes between teams or horse owners, and organized seasons of competitions,” according to Tom W. Crosset and Mary A. Hums in “History of Sports Management.”

Today, sports management encompasses all the business aspects of sports, including finance, marketing, leadership, facilities management, and event management. “Most colleges have a sports management program,” said Jacqueline Stavros, professor in the College of Business and Information Technology (CoBIT). “LTU will soon be adding a sports management major within the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that will be made up of five classes.”

Right now, LTU business students can choose concentrations in accounting, IT, business data analytics, marketing, general business, and finance. Beginning with the fall 2024 semester, they will also have sports management as an option, where students can combine their passion for sports and business. “CoBIT students have shared that they’d like that option,” Stavros said. “Sports is a growing industry. ‘Theory and Practice’ is our motto. Our students will learn the theory and practice of the sports industry including management, event planning and operations, marketing and media, data analytics, and negotiations. It’s a natural extension of LTU’s strengths in business.”

When we think of sports management, we often picture major league sports jobs that get the most prominence on television or in the news, like general manager, coach, and trainer. Fulfilling sports management jobs also exist in city recreation departments across the country, middle and high school sports programs, and non-profit recreation and development programs, like Detroit’s Police Athletic League, that have great impact on children, families, and communities.

From the perspective of Mary Ann Meltzer, LTU’s Athletic Director, "Integrating sports management into the curriculum not only enriches the educational offerings of the institution but also provides valuable opportunities for student-athletes to pursue their passion while preparing for fulfilling careers in the sports industry. The diversity enhances the overall academic experience and attracts a wider pool of students. Go Blue Devils!"

Stavros has been teaching many of the skills that students will learn in the sports management program to current LTU student-athletes, particularly SOAR. She says, “SOAR is a strategic way of thinking, planning, and leading based on knowing your Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results.” Created by Stavros based on the findings of her dissertation: “Capacity Building: An Appreciative Approach,” “SOAR is about a relational process of building your team and organization’s future knowing that the driving force is people and what they are most capable of doing.”

A unique program called “Student-Athlete Academic Success Workshop: Blue Devils SOAR” has been designed and delivered by LTU’s FAR (Faculty Athletic Representatives) that focuses on academic success and overall wellbeing. Co-created by Stavros and Ty Faulkner in the College of Arts and Sciences, the workshop series “goal in putting this program together,” said Stavros, “is to develop those skills, habits, and behaviors to help our student-athletes (SAs) successfully navigate their LTU journey as both a student and athlete. There are six foundational pillars.”

Stavros outlined the workshop series' goals, highlighting its comprehensive approach to student development. She explained, "Our series equips students with the tools to foster a positive-growth mindset, leveraging the PERMA™ [Theory of Wellbeing—encompassing Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment]. Beyond that, it delves into cultivating self-awareness, self-discipline, and resilience. The curriculum also addresses leadership, both of oneself and in a broader sense, and underscores the importance of critical thinking. It prepares students for future challenges by promoting social conscience, altruism, and service. Ultimately, it guides students to 'SOAR' into their potential, driven by a sense of purpose."

You can learn more about SOAR at www.soar-strategy.com .

by Renée Ahee