Current Student Profiles

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Sport Studies

Jan Blaine
Jan Blaine

Name: Jan Blaine
Hometown: Starkville, Mississippi
Degree Sought: Sport Studies (primary major) & General Business Administration (secondary major)
Expected Graduation: December 2010

Honors/Experience:

Why did you choose to major in Sport Studies?

When I was first looking for a major I was thumbing through the possible majors at MSU, and Sport Studies (Sport Communication emphasis) stood out mainly because of the name: I like sports, I like to communicate, so it seemed like a match. While in the program, I have found that both the former and current faculty have been very concerned for their students' well being and future. I am very pleased to see the program grow in the direction it has.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

Upon graduating with my degrees in Sport Studies and General Business Administration, I want to purse a Master's degree in Business Administration and eventually work in collegiate athletics. I would love to be involved in an administrative setting, although I realize I will have to gain years of experience first. I truly believe my degree in Sport Studies has helped prepare me to handle the responsibilities and understand the terminology I will be faced with as I pursue my career in collegiate athletics.

Shelley Pensworth
Shelley Pensworth

Name: Shelley Pensworth
Hometown: Decatur, Alabama
Degree Sought: Sport Studies and General Business (double major), minor in Marketing
Expected Graduation: May 2011

Honors/Experience:

Why did you choose to major in Sport Studies?

I've always had a passion for athletics, no matter what kind. There is a great program here at MSU that offers opportunities for great internships and good general experience.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

I'm looking at the business and marketing side of sport, so hopefully I will be able to get a job with a sport franchise and be the marketing or sales director or something in that area.

John Thompson
John Thompson

Name: John Thompson
Hometown: Bay Springs, Mississippi
Degree Sought: Sport Studies and Marketing (double major)
Expected Graduation: May 2010

Honors/Experience:

Why did you choose to major in Sport Studies?

Sports have always been a big part of my life. Growing up and continuing through college, I have always played some form of sport. However, I knew I wouldn't be able to make a career by playing sports, so I decided to make a career in the "behind the scenes" aspect of sport. I love the build up to game day and the hype of a big tournament. However, such events don't just happen; it takes careful planning and execution by people behind the scenes. That's why I major in sport studies here at MSU. The program and educators prepare you for a career in sport beyond participation.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

I hope to attain a graduate degree in Counselor Education and go from there. I would like to get a job at a university (preferably an SEC school) in athletics or university administration and eventually become a high ranking administrator in either the athletic department or another area of the university.

Kristin Long
Kristin Long

Name: Kristin Long
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Degree Sought: Sport Studies
Expected Graduation: May 2012

Honors/Experience:

Why did you choose to major in Sport Studies?

I chose sport studies as my major because I love sports on and off the field. The sport industry is always expanding and never has downtime. Sports always have been an influence in my life. Even if I am not playing them, I just love the atmosphere and being able to interact with the world of sports. I am a big "people person", and I think that being a sport studies major you have to be very social and know how to talk and communicate with others. I am a very enthusiastic and outgoing person, and I can definitely see myself having a future in this field.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

After graduation, I hope to go into broadcasting or even writing articles for a sports team or organization. I hope to begin at a local news channel/newspaper and work my way up to larger networks and professional outlets.


Sport Administration

Akando Ducksworth
Akando Ducksworth

Name: Akando Ducksworth
Hometown: Moss Point, Mississippi
Degree Sought: Master of Science in Sport Administration
Expected Graduation: Spring 2010

Honors/Experience:

  • Earned Bachelor's degree in Sport Communication from MSU in August 2007
  • Received the inaugural "115 percent" Sport Communication award (Spring 2007)
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant with MSU Department of Kinesiology (Fall 2008-Present)
  • MSU Athletic Marketing and Promotions Intern (Fall 2006- Spring 2007; Fall 2008-Present)
    - assisted with various promotions for football, basketball, and baseball events
  • Vanderbilt University Sales Academy (Summer 2007)
    - one of four interns who were given a sales goal of $20,000 in new ticket sales for football and basketball
    - surpassed goal by selling $46,108; highest total of all interns
  • Vanderbilt University Facilities and Game Operations Intern (Fall 2007-Spring 2008)
    - ran gameday operations for soccer and lacrosse
    - assisted in gameday operations for football, basketball, and baseball
  • Mississippi National Guard (Spring 2001-Spring 2009)
    - ran inventory and supplied soldiers with the tools they needed to work on helicopters that were being used in Operation Iraqi Freedom
    - assisted in giving food and other items to citizens who lost their homes due to Hurricane Katrina

Why did you choose to pursue a master's degree in Sport Administration?

I've had a passion for sports my entire life, and I always knew that I wanted to work in sports in some capacity. I realized that the most lucrative side of sports (besides playing professionally) would probably be in administration, so that area became my focus.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

I aspire to be an athletic director or director of marketing for a college or professional team one day. Following graduation, I hope to start down that path by landing an internship with either a college or professional team and eventually securing an entry level position to begin working my way up the ladder.

Stephen Foshee
Stephen Foshee

Name: Stephen Foshee
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Degree Sought: Master of Science in Sport Administration and Master of Business Administration
Expected Graduation: Spring 2010

Honors/Experience:

  • Earned Bachelor's degree in communications from Union University in June 2006
  • Graduate Assistant in MSU Athletics Development (June 2008-Present)
    -assisting with annual giving, priority seating, and other fundraising events
  • Public Relations Intern with Green Bay Packers (June 2006-May 2007)
    -worked with gameday media/public relations activities and website development
  • Broadcasting/Video Productions Intern with Boston Red Sox (June 2005-August 2005)
    -coordinated gameday operations and broadcasting responsibilities
  • Play-by-play announcer and pre-game show host at Union University (January 2004-June 2006)
    -provided commentary for Union men's and women's basketball games

Why did you choose to pursue a master's degree in Sport Administration?

To get a broader knowledge of business in NCAA athletics and to also gain experience as a graduate assistant in an SEC athletics department.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

Initially, to obtain a full time job in a fundraising role for a BCS institution. My long-term career goals are to be a Director of External Affairs at a major BCS institution and, eventually, a Division-I Athletics Director.


Sport Pedagogy

Mary Govero
Mary Govero

Name: Mary Kathryn Govero
Hometown: Clinton, Mississippi
Degree Sought: Teaching and Coaching
Expected Graduation: December 2010

Honors/Experience:

  • Member of MSU Women's Basketball Team
  • Member of Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC)
  • Named to President's List

Why did you choose to major in Teaching & Coaching?

Teachers and Coaches are given a tremendous opportunity and platform to impact the lives of others. Athletics have played a major role in my life. I desire to pass on my passion for athletics to others, through the role of a teacher and coach, to make a positive impact on the lives.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

Upon graduation, I plan to pursue a Masters in Sports Administration. I would then like to get a job in the coaching field, be it the high school or the college level.

Chassie Kelly
Chassie Kelly

Name: Chassie Kelly
Hometown: Eupora, MS
Degree Sought: BS Teaching and Coaching
Expected Graduation: December 2009

Honors/Experience:

  • Kappa Delta Pi
  • MSU Alumni Association of Phi Theta Kappa
  • MSU Shackouls Honors College
  • President's List Scholar

Why did you choose to major in Teaching & Coaching?

I want to impact the future generation in the most positive, Christian way possible. Also, I would like to have the opportunity to coach basketball to young girls. I will be able to impact numerous lives, by my actions and words, that I may not have had the chance to if I had chosen a different major.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

I plan on teaching in Mississippi for a few years and then pursuing a Masters degree in Sports Administration. My long term goal is to become a women's basketball head coach at a college or university.

Zack Vosen
Zack Vosen

Name: Zack Vosen
Hometown: Starkville, MS
Degree Sought: BS Teaching and Coaching
Expected Graduation: December 2011

Honors/Experience:

  • Shackouls Honors College
  • President's List
  • National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Why did you choose to major in Teaching & Coaching?

I chose to pursue a degree in Teaching and Coaching because I would love to make a difference in the lives of young people. This day in time, there are many children and teenagers who need positive role models and someone to take an interest in their lives.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master's Degree in Education and then become a high school football coach. I would also like to attend seminary with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. Either way, I will have the chance to positively influence the lives of young people.

David Glass
David Glass

Name: David Glass
Hometown: Lamar, MS
Degree Sought: BS Teaching and Coaching
Expected Graduation: 2011

Honors/Experience:

  • Manager of MSU Men's Basketball Team
  • Oldest of Three children

Why did you choose to major in Teaching & Coaching?

I love school and I love helping kids. I enjoy teaching children to participate in sports, especially basketball.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

My goal is to be a basketball coach and physical education teacher.

Kelvin Cistrunk
Kelvin Cistrunk

Name: Kelvin Cistrunk
Hometown: Louisville, MS
Degree Sought: BS Teaching and Coaching
Expected Graduation: 2010

Honors/Experience:

  • Coaching assistant, Football, at West Oktibbeha High School
  • After being out of school for several years, I am determined to finish my education.

Why did you choose to major in Teaching & Coaching?

I have always loved football. I enjoy coaching and want to learn ways that I can be a better teacher and coach.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

My dream is to coach football at any school level.

Sam Watts
Sam Watts

Name: Sam Watts
Hometown: Conyers, Georgia
Degree Sought: BS Teaching and Coaching
Expected Graduation: 2012

Honors/Experience:

  • MSU Football Team
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes high school camp staff

Why did you choose to major in Teaching & Coaching?

I beleive this major will give me a chance to work with high school students and athletes and to minister and witness to them and share the Gospel of Christ. I hope to influence the lives of young people in a positive way.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

After graduation I want to study College Sports Ministry and become a college Fellowship of Christian Athletes director.

Sharon Howard
Sharon Howard

Name: Sharon Howard
Hometown: Weir, MS
Degree Sought: BS Teaching and Coaching
Expected Graduation: 2011

Honors/Experience:

  • I have two boys, Kyle (13) and Ethan (8). I have worked as a substitute teacher and as a school bus driver for 8 years.

Why did you choose to major in Teaching & Coaching?

I've always played sports and I enjoy coaching softball. I want to provide a better lifestyle for my boys and have them be proud of my accomplishments.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

Hopefully in 4 years I will be employed in a school system that is supportive of its teachers and coaches. I would like to be able to teach my children before they graduate.


Clinical Exercise Physiology

Lillie McDaniel
Lillie McDaniel

Name: Lillie McDaniel
Hometown: Covington, TN
Degree Sought: CLEP
Expected Graduation: May 2010

Honors/Experience:

  • MSU Shackouls Honors College
  • President's Scholar List
  • National Society for Collegiate Scholars
  • Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society
  • Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society
  • Exercise Science Honorary Society
  • Recipient of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International scholarship
  • Member of Delta Gamma Sorority: Director of Anchor Games 2008
  • Matchmates (spring 2007)
  • MSU Diamond Girl (2008 & 2009)
  • Reformed University Fellowship: Campus ministry team

Why did you choose to major in CLEP?

I have always had a passion for health and exercise. When I decided I wanted to become a physical therapist I wanted to pick a major that would educate me in the health field and prepare me for physical therapy school. The curriculum in CLEP has been great, and the teachers have been wonderful. They continually encourage me in my desire to become a physical therapist.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

I plan to attend physical therapy school after graduation. I would enjoy being a physical therapist specializing in sports injuries.


Exercise Science

Josh Taylor
Josh Taylor

Name: Josh Taylor
Hometown: Batesville, MS
Degree Sought: M.S. CLEP
Expected Graduation: May 2010

Honors/Experience:

  • Earned B.S. in Exercise Science from The University of Mississippi in 2007
  • Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society
  • Attained rank of Eagle Scout in 2000
  • Married to Christie Taylor, of Batesville, MS, since May 31, 2008 - She graduates from the MSU Veterinary School in May 2010

Why did you choose to major in CLEP?

I have always had a desire to help people which helped to lead to my discovery of the field of physical therapy. After making the decision that this was my career goal I earned a degree in exercise science from The University of Mississippi followed by a year off from school in which I worked at a local rehabilitation clinic prior to enrollment at Mississippi State University. I chose to attain my Master's degree from MSU in effort to further prepare myself for a hopeful enrollment into a physical therapy school. The past two years have been extremely beneficial in enhancing my knowledge base and receiving grand influences from the supporting staff and faculty.

What are your aspirations following graduation?

Following graduation I plan to attend physical therapy school. After attaining a doctorate in physical therapy I hope to work in an outpatient clinic where I can build numerous relationships with patients and co- workers. In addition, my wife will begin work as a veterinarian while I am in school and continue to be my constant source of love and support.