Hometown: Mobile, AL

Degree and Class: MS, Sport Administration, Fall 2017

How did you learn about/end up attending MSU?

I started researching Sport Administration graduate programs the summer before my senior year in undergrad at Alabama State University. I determined that I wanted to stay in the southeast, and I wanted to attend an institution that had a prominent athletics department. This narrowed my search down to a handful of schools. When evaluating the programs, one of my most important factors was the concluding option. I wanted to have the opportunity to make a decision during my enrollment to either pursue a career in research through the thesis option or to engage in practicing what I had learned in the classroom with an internship. (Fortunately, I was able to combine elements of both of those options while at MSU by doing a Directed Individualized Study). I narrowed my search to two institutions and eventually chose to attend Mississippi State because I loved Starkville. 

What are the responsibilities of your current position?

Primarily, I manage the Big Sky Conference’s NCAA compliance efforts. Most of my time is spent interpreting NCAA and Big Sky bylaws for our member institutions. I also manage the NLI program and draft national and conference legislation. Additionally, I’m involved with the conference’s governance structure which includes managing various groups such as the Faculty Athletics Representatives and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and I assist with committees comprised of Athletics Directors and Senior Woman Administrators. Beyond my usual compliance and governance responsibilities, I create conference competition schedules for several sports and develop professional development programs for our various membership groups. 

What is your favorite part of the position?

My favorite part of my job is the access I have to gain knowledge about the bigger picture elements of intercollegiate athletics. I regularly participate in national discussions regarding policy that affects institutions throughout all of Division I. These conversations provide me the opportunity to instruct our membership on how we should vote for various proposals and how to optimize the student-athlete experience at our institutions. In working with our Division I Council representative, I’ve learned how different sized conferences (e.g., Autonomous Five, Mid-Major) approach various topics which has helped me learn how to predict potential legislative and policy outcomes. 

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

The diversified curriculum in Mississippi State’s Sport Administration program gave me insight into areas that I previously had no knowledge. For example, I did not understand what market segmentation was or the difference between a normative and a descriptive ethical claim. I understood a small amount about the law as it related to sport, but my knowledge was rudimentary there too. I walked into my first job after attending Mississippi State with a greater understanding of the entire industry. I was able to have conversation with people who worked in departments other than mine and contribute meaningfully to discussions. 

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

The two most importance pieces of advice for job seekers in this industry is that you cannot be afraid of rejection, and you have to make the most of your interactions with those in the field. Entry-level jobs frequently receive triple digit number of applications. You are going to apply for jobs that never call you. You may have to slightly pivot from what you originally wanted to do or move across the country to find a job, but your job is out there. Getting discouraged is natural, but you cannot shy away from applying to potential jobs because you’re scared of “no.” Second, networking is perhaps the most important element of getting a job and climbing in your career. Invest in yourself and attend a professional conference like CoSIDA or the NACDA offerings. You can start by chatting with those of us who have graduated from Mississippi State and grow your network from there. You have a head start on your competition if a hiring manager recognizes your name when they see your resume. Make sure to utilize your professors who can place you in touch with alumni of the program. 

What advice would give to incoming graduate students at MSU?

The first advice I have is to treat every class like you will need to have that information for your job. Even if you have no desire to work in external departments like marketing, that knowledge will help you make a greater impact when you become employed. The second is to become close with your professors. They want to see you succeed both during and after your time in the program. You’d be remiss if you didn’t invest time into getting to know them. Finally, create connections with your cohort. You’re going to spend a lot of time both in and out of the classroom with them over two years. The program becomes easier knowing you have friends who can fill in a gap in your notes or you can spend time with on the weekends. These people are also going to be your peers when you get into your career. You never know when you’ll need to pick up the phone and have someone call a hiring manager on your behalf.