Thursday, March 31, 2011

Meet the Class - Demetrius

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Demetrius A. Frazier

Hometown: Winter Haven, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: Accounting, UCF

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*GA for TIDES
*GA for NCAS

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
The DeVos Program focuses heavily on community service and diversity, which are two things that I greatly value. No other program emphasizes these two important things like the DeVos program. Also, sports was a positive outlet for me during times in my life when there was no much negativity around and I saw how sports affected people’s lives. I could not envision my life without sports.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
In the future I would ultimately love to be team president of a sports franchise and then one day blessed enough to be an owner.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
X Ray vision

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
My mom, and I would ask her everything about her childhood.



Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Meet the Class - Jake

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Jake Spiak

Hometown: Watervliet, NY

Undergraduate School & Major: Ithaca College, B.S. Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Ticket Sales and Services Intern, Tampa Bay Rays
*Ticket Sales Representative, Tampa Bay Rays
*Group Sales Executive, Jacksonville Jaguars.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
Florida Citrus Sports and Nelligan Sports Marketing, Corporate Sponsorship Sales.

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
The ability to receive a duel degree is something that undoubtedly attracted me to this program. After further research, I saw that the DeVos program discussed topics and areas of sport that is hard to find in other programs. The ability to be in a diverse classroom with people from many different backgrounds is something that is very unique.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would like to work in professional sports in either Corporate Partnership or Marketing with the goal of becoming a Team President.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would choose teleportation because I would love to travel to anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye and experience different things.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
George Steinbrenner, and I would like to know how he dealt with the criticism of New York fans and media over his management style during his ownership of the Yankees on his way to building one of the most powerful franchises in sport.



Monday, March 28, 2011

Meet the Class - Francisco

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Francisco Aristeguieta

Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela

Undergraduate School & Major: University of South Florida, Finance

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for TIDES
*NASCAR Diversity Department

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
My first reason was that my undergrad mentor, Justin Miller, told me that DeVos was the place for me. I have always trusted Justin, but once I started to research the program I realized that I want to be part of this family.


Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
My future plans are to work with soccer in Europe and learn as much as I can, so I can go back to my country and apply what I would learn. I think soccer is a key to make changes in Venezuela.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to change people’s mind. With this power I would try my best to change the way leaders in my country think, so they can start helping to build a better Venezuela.


If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would to interview my grand father (dad’s side), Fernando Aristeguieta. He died when I was 2 years old, so I never had the chance to really know him. He was one of Venezuela's most prominent engineers, and a devote person to social changes. He built schools for low income kids, and he constantly made donations for different organizations. He was a very loved and admired person by many, and when he died the President of Venezuela at that time assisted in his burial. I know that having the chance to talk to him even for just a few minutes would help me tremendously in my career.




Friday, March 25, 2011

Meet the Class - Christie

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Christie Cloud

Hometown: Lexington, KY

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Kentucky, Accounting & Marketing

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport
*Orlando Magic Premium Services


Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I was originally attracted to the Program because of the dual degree option. After doing more research about the Program, I was intrigued by the idea of using sport to produce social change. I also love the fact that community service plays such a large role in the Program.


Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
To work for a professional sports organization, preferably in the NBA.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would choose to have the power to become invisible. It would be nice to be able to duck out of uncomfortable situations, be able to run errands without spending much time getting ready in the morning, and play pranks on people.


If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would interview Michael Jordan. I would ask him how he stayed motivated once he achieved so many personal accomplishments and won so many championships.




Thursday, March 24, 2011

The DeVos Life

Wow!!! How time flies and what an experience this has been so far. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the TOP sports management program in the country. The atmosphere (inclusive and ever-evolving based on the current status of sports ) and approach (hands-on and in-depth) provides me the ability to create my own learning niche that corresponds with my career aspirations. The material and knowledge that I am learning can be specifically targeted and focused to what I will be doing in the future.

It feels good to know how I can be a part of the development of the sports industry in the sense of the societal impact that I can and will have in comparison to just a mere addition to the sports industry. In my opinion, this program calls for all of us to be held accountable for our actions and by the time we leave we understand how are actions can positively or negatively affect the industry and even more important society.

It is hard to imagine that I have almost completed two semesters. Two more semesters to go and off all of us go into this industry being the best equipped leaders to handle the current and future issues of this industry. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity and do not take this time in my life for granted. I'm eager to see what the future holds because I know that all of my cohorts will be change agents in sports. Can't wait!! Let the countdown begin!!!



Simone Jackson
DeVos Sports Business Management '12
University of Central Florida
Graduate Assistant - The Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES)



Meet the Class - Andrew

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Andrew H. Lilly

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Undergraduate School & Major: The University of Texas at Austin; Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Championships/Events Intern at The University of Texas at Austin
*Sports Services Intern at Conference USA
*2007 & 2008 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship Intern
*Professional Exchange Participant at Texas Christian University


Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport
*Content Marketing Associate for SportsBusinessWire.com


Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
DeVos chose me. The program entered my radar during my junior year of undergrad. I set my course for this program, and by God’s grace, I made it here. I valued the program’s emphasis on diversity, ethics, and the communities we serve.


Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I want to work in collegiate athletics and serve as an advocate, mentor, role model, and friend to student athletes. I love social networking, writing, and tackling social issues, so I hope to implement these into my career as well.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
Let me channel my inner X-Man and go with Archangel’s superpowers. He can fly and heal others. I’m cheating by picking two superpowers. Sue me.


If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would interview the one grandparent I never got to meet, and that is my maternal grandfather, Rochelle Foreman. I’d like to know kept him going every day, what life was like for him, and if I make him proud.

Do you have any closing thoughts?
Yes, I’m glad you asked. Follow me. Facebook me. E-mail me. Text me. Call me. Skype me. I pride myself on being available to those who reach out to me even if it gets me in trouble. I love my phone. I love people.



Monday, March 21, 2011

Meet the Class - Kara

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Kara M. Adams

Hometown: San Leandro, CA /Ashburn, Va

Undergraduate School & Major: Howard University, Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Intern-NASCAR Diversity Department
*Intern-NASCAR Kinetics
*Intern- Washington Wizards
*Student Worker-Howard University Athletics
*Intern-Progressive Sports and Entertainment Alliance

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Hope For Stanley Alliance-G.A
*Will Call- Orlando Magic
*Intern- UCF Athletics (AD of External Operations)


Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I prefer to attend the DeVos program over others because of the experience I will gain outside the classroom in addition to the classroom knowledge I will be gaining. After doing my research I understand that I will be volunteering my efforts in many ways throughout the Orlando area. Upon my visit to the campus I loved the atmosphere of the location of the campus as well as the warmth I felt upon the arrival to the DeVos office.


Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would like to work at the collegiate level in athletics, eventually taking on the role of Senior Woman Administrator in addition to a position that will allow me to mentor and work with our student athletes.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
If I could have any superpower I would choose the power to make everyone kind hearted :). It’s almost as cliché as world peace but I think I put my own twist on it!!! I want everyone to be happy, giving, kind hearted and as loving as I believe I am. Kind hearts=beautiful/kind world!


If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
I would interview Harry Edwards. He is alive and a friend of Dr. Harrison’s so this may not be a far fetch idea! I would like to know how it feels to be a well known African American mentor to sports figures? How it feels to know you personally and single handedly affected one of the most talked about moments in sports (Tommy Smith and John Carlos-Olympics stance).



Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Meet the Class - Michael

One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Michael Kuhn

Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Florida, Marketing

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Sales Team Member – UCF Athletics
*Intern - Bill Carr & Associates
*Intern – University of Florida Athletic Association (Marketing, Boosters, Football, and Operations)

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant – The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES)
*Box Office Representative – Orlando Magic


Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
DeVos stuck out to me because of the high level of ethics and morals that are built into the curriculum – not only that, but the directors practice what they preach. The industry opportunities and connections are as good as you’ll find anywhere else and the family atmosphere was something that I couldn’t pass up.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I want to use my Marketing background and my interpersonal skills to work for a sports marketing agency or consulting firm. Down the line, I would love to start my own marketing firm and eventually end up back in the classroom teaching the next generation of leaders.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
This is a ridiculous question for 2 reasons:
1. It’s not relevant at all.
2. Anyone who lived a childhood would tell you that they want to be able to fly, so why even ask the question?!? I would choose flying - no doubt in my mind.


If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
Charles Barkley – because life is short, so why not laugh a little?



Meet the Class - Djuan


One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Djuan Bragg

Hometown: Pensacola, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: University of West Florida, Communications/Public Relations

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
Student Athlete (Baseball), Huntingdon College, Montgomery, AL.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Research Assistant for The Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sports.

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose DeVos because it is one of the top 5 sport business management programs in the nation, led by Drs. Lapchick, Harrison and Sutton, who are the most respected and well known in the field and for the opportunity to earn an MBA concurrently with a MSBM.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): I would like to work for a national sports franchise in public relations, community affairs or sales with a focus on upper management positions.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? Flying: Because I love to travel but I hate to fly.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? Muhammad Ali, because he is the only professional athlete who never let me down and I would like to know how he remained courageous and persevered in spite of failure.



Friday, March 11, 2011

Meet the Class - Cori






One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Cori Pinkett

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Georgia; Marketing and Sport Management Double Major

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*University of Georgia Athletics Association Intern for Promotions
*University of Georgia Football Game Day Host
*Atlanta Falcons Logistics Intern
*Atlanta Falcons Ticket Sales and Marketing Volunteer
*2010 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Volunteer
*ESPN College Gameday Volunteer
*2009 NCAA Gymnastics Championship Volunteer

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Marketing Internship Coordinator for UCF's Marketing Department

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose the DeVos Sport Management Program for its ability to cultivate students that can tackle social issues through the avenue of sport and its inherent family atmosphere. The directors make themselves very accessible and are committed to our success.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): My ultimate goal is to be the Director of Community Relations for the Atlanta Falcons or the Atlanta Hawks. I also want to start my own business that uses sport to provide a positive after school alternative for children living in poverty stricken and lower income areas.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? I would have the power of duplication so that I would be able to be more than one place at the same time and never run into the issue of stretching myself too thin.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? I would interview Martin Luther King Jr. My questions would be: At this point in time, do you feel that your dream from the “I Have a Dream” speech has been filled? If not, how much more progression needs to be made before this dream can be realized?



Meet the Class - Kelly


One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Kelly Higgins

Hometown: Port St. Lucie, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: Florida Southern College ‘10- Sports Management Major, Communications Minor

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*New York/St. Lucie Mets- Administrative Assistant ’03-‘10
*IMG Academies- Performance Institute- Intern ‘09
*Lakeland Thunderbolts Indoor Football- Intern ’06-‘07
*Various volunteer experiences- ESPN, Superbowl, MLB, NCAA

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Dr. Sutton’s G.A.

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose the DeVos program because I fell in love with its initiatives. I wanted a program that was very hands-on and DeVos provided that and so much more! I was initially attracted to the Dual-Degree but once I did some further research, I knew that with the community service, team-based approach, and the esteemed directors, I had to be in this program to get where I want to be in my career.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): As of right now, I hope to pursue a career with a professional team in the community relations or special events department. Plan B- work for a sports related non-profit.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? Fly! I love traveling and seeing the world!

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know? Oprah Winfrey, I would want to know the top 5 most life changing experiences she has had.

Meet the Class - Kaley


One of the unique attributes of the DeVos Sport Business Management Program is the network of students who make up our program. Our class will take every course together during our tenure here at UCF and we will work on countless group projects and collaborative efforts. As a result of our shared interests in the business of sport, a natural team camaraderie is formed. However, our team is composed of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and ambitions. We offer profiles of class members to give you an idea as to the type of people who make up our program, individuals who collectively will be leaders in sport and society and will be teammates for life.

Name: Kaley Pendley

Hometown: Orlando, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Florida, Sport Management major, Business Administration minor.

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
* Intern at Orlando Titans in Orlando, FL (Summer 2010).
* Intern at Gainesville Sports Commission in Gainesville, FL (Fall 2009).
* Intern at Under Armour Headquarters in Baltimore, MD (Summer 2008). Product Line Manager Intern.

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I first heard of the DeVos Program from a previous graduate. I was intrigued by all the opportunities offered, the intense curriculum to earn a dual masters, and the emphasis on community service all tied together through sports.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): I would love to work with a professional team or organization in the Marketing Department, but the DeVos Program could open my eyes up to new ambitions. I am looking forward to that aspect.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why? I would love to fly. Skydiving was probably the closest I have ever come to flying and it is an amazing and peaceful feeling.