Hometown: Prairie, MS

Degree: M.S. in Sport Administration, 2002

What are the responsibilities of your current position?

I am responsible for event operations and logistics for most of our 14 Sports Backers owned and operated events including the Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k, one of the 25 largest road running races in the world, the Anthem Richmond Marathon and accompanying 1/2 marathon and 8k, and Dominion Riverrock, the nation’s largest outdoor sports and music festival. Currently I serve as our bike/pedestrian advocate on staff. I manage our Sports Tourism Grant Program and Strategic Partnerships that award approximately $50,000 to local non-profit sports organizations that host tournaments and events that have a significant economic impact in the Richmond Region. I also manage our Indoor Sport Tournament Center which consists of 100,000 sq. ft. of SportCourt flooring and equipment for various sports.

How did your education at MSU help prepare you for work in the field?

It continued my ever expanding grasp on the sports industry as a whole. There are so many segments of sport and recreation that make up the entire industry. My work at MSU helped me recognize all the opportunities that are out there. Also, the different projects I worked on with my fellow students helped prepare me for the collaborative event planning that is a critical part of my current position.

What advice would you give to current students looking for internships or jobs in the field?

I think students need to take advantage of any opportunities that may make you attractive to any potential organization who might hire you. Even if these opportunities are not in a certain field or industry you are looking to enter, you never know what connections you may make or what skills you will take away from each opportunity. My degrees and internships were important in getting an interview with the Sports Backers. But it was my experience with heavy machinery that made me the ideal candidate in my future employer’s eyes. You never know, so approach any opportunity and see how it can be beneficial to you in your job search or how it may help you down the road in your career path.