Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Degree: M.S. in Sport Administration, 2006

Tell us about the responsibilities involved in your current position.

I am currently responsible for all aspects of NCAA compliance, which include student-athlete eligibility, financial aid, playing and practice seasons, waivers, and rules interpretation.

What is your favorite part of the position?

My favorite part of the position is helping the coaches and student-athletes. Many times, compliance officers are looked at as enforcers, which is just one aspect of the job. When I am able to help the coaches or student-athletes solve an issue, it allows them to see that I am not just here to enforce rules, but that I can help them as well.

Given your current career path, where do you see yourself in ten years?

Although I love athletic compliance, I would like to branch out in the next ten years. I have always wanted to work in professional sports, and I am making plans for that transition.

Have you observed any changing or developing trends currently occurring in your field-what do you see as the future of the field in which you work?

NCAA compliance is an ever-evolving field. As legislation grows, so do the responsibilities of the compliance office. I think the rapid growth in technology, such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, have increased the types of legislation and monitoring for which compliance officers are now responsible.

How did your education at Mississippi State help prepare you for working in your field?

Everything that my professors told me about athletics administration has come true in some aspect. They definitely provided us with the tools and information that we would need in order to be prepared to work in this field.

Would you make any recommendations to recent graduates currently looking for internships or other positions in the field?

I would definitely recommend that everyone work an internship in their desired field at some time during their graduate work. Having this type of experience is almost a requirement if you want to secure employment in any athletics field. Aside from my education, my internship experience was the most important aspect of preparing me for what I face on a day-to-day basis.