Thursday, April 28, 2011

Meet the Class - Taunita

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: Taunita Stephenson

Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Gorgeous Prince Georges County, MD

Undergraduate School & Major:
Delaware State University; Sport Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Greater Washington Sport Alliance; Intern
*Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program; Researcher
*Charlotte Bobcats; Intern
*Delaware State University; Game Time Ops Manager

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*GA for the National Consortium of Academics and Sport
*UCF Student Athlete Services and WomenTalkSports.com Volunteer


Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I choose the DeVos Program because of its unique features. One, being the leadership of the program in Dr. Lapchick, Dr. Sutton, and Dr. Harrison. Their beliefs and connections offer us a lot to learn from. Two, being the cohort approach in the learning environment, giving us a tight family feel. Three, being the focus the program has on ethics, diversity, leadership and service. No other Sport Business Program and the country can offer all this in one package.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
Mainly helping athletes with their lives off the field. Whether this is professionally, with their own non-profits, at the collegiate level or in my own business, I am still unsure.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to see into the future, even if it’s just for a few minutes or a few months ahead. It would put my mind at ease to have some hint about where my life is going.

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
Seriously, for me to answer this question, I would have to choose like 10 people. Muhammad Ali, Kobe Bryant, Jay-Z, Pete Maravich are a few names that come to mind.



Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Meet the Class - Shantonie

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: Shantonie Derrick

Hometown: Evanston, Illinois

Undergraduate School & Major:
I attended Hampton University, Class of 2009, and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing.

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
In the past, I have interned with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) under the Associate Commissioner, Jeffrey Mcleod, the NCAA Big Ten Basketball Tournament, and Northwestern University Athletics.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
I am currently a Graduate Assistant for the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS).

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I chose the DeVos program for its unique attributes that separates it from other programs. I was enticed by the dual degrees and the importance placed on diversity, leadership, and community service. I thought our three directors, Drs. Lapchick, Sutton, and Harrison, provided a wealth of knowledge and would not only create a plethora of opportunities but make my experience here one of a kind.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
My future career ambitions are to work in sports event planning for a professional league or team. I hope to in a few years be Director of Events and later in life own my own event planning business.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
If I could have any superpower I would like the ability to teleport because I am very impatient but like to travel and go places. I would love to be able to get to my destination in a matter of seconds!

If you had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, who would you choose and what would you most want to know?
If I had the opportunity to interview anyone dead or alive, I would choose to interview Gail Hunter, Senior Vice President of Events and Attractions for the NBA as well as David Tutera, event planner extraordinaire. I would want to know what they love most about their jobs, to what do they attribute their success and what’s their most valuable asset in their toolbox?



Monday, April 25, 2011

Meet the Class - Wayne

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: Wayne R. Clark Jr.

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Undergraduate School & Major:
UCF, Business Management, DeVos Sport Business minor

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*UCF Arena Intern
*UCF Sports Marketing Intern
*ISP Sports Intern

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

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
It is the most prestigious program of its kind in the nation. The program is focused not only on sports business but social issues, diversity and ethics which sets it aside from all of the rest.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
After finishing the DeVos program I will pursue my goal of becoming the Director of Marketing for a NBA franchise.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would choose “Invincibility”. This superpower supersedes any other power formed against me, therefore making me more powerful than any opponent.

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 choose Martin Luther King Jr. I would love to hear his thoughts on how the US has turned out as a result of all the hard work and sacrifices he and other black civil rights activists devoted years ago. It would be great to hear his visions and thoughts for our country going forward, where some racism and discrimination still exists, and goes beyond just blacks and whites.



Thursday, April 21, 2011

Meet the Class - Matt S.

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: Matthew Stull

Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL

Undergraduate School & Major:
Accounting at the University of South Florida

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
My past sports industry experiences is limited to the time I spent as a student-athlete. While at the University of South Florida I was a member of the baseball team for 4 years.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS)

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I chose the DeVos program because it is truly unique. It is definitely attractive because of the two master level degrees and the connection to the Orlando Magic. However no other school in the country places the amount of emphasis on community service as the program does. Being able to be a top 5 sports management program and maintain this focus on community service is truly special and something I value deeply.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would love to be an Athletics Director at a division one university. My background and passion for collegiate sport fuels my desire to continue to be a part of amateur sports.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would choose the ability to fly. Being able to soar through the air would be an amazing feeling.

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 like to interview Roberto Clemente, a truly transcendent figure whose impact went much further than the baseball diamond. I would love to sit down with the man who had a profound impact on America’s pastime. I would want to know what his opinions were on the current state of Major League Baseball.



Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Meet the Class - Matt V.

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: Matthew C. Vinson

Hometown: Niceville, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Central Florida, Engineering Technology with a minor in Business Administration

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*UCF Athletics Events and Facilities
*UCF Brighthouse Networks Stadium Premium Services

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*DeVos Website & Blog Updater
*Orlando Magic Box Office Representative
*2011 UCF Brighthouse Networks Stadium Director of Premium Services
*UCF Athletics Events and Facilities

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I chose the DeVos Program because of the family aspect the program emphasizes with the incoming classes. When your program orientation is spent on a 10 hour bus ride to New Orleans to help rebuild someone's home, you know this program is something special. I also chose this program for the opportunity to listen to and learn from Dr. Lapchick, Dr. Harrison, and Dr. Sutton and the variety of knowledge they together contain.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would like to work with developing technology in the marketing department aimed at bringing fans to the actual events. I aspire to then one day become team president of a professional sports franchise.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to teleport. Getting from point A to point B in no time would save me a lot of traveling and let me experience more in life.

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 love to interview Barack Obama and listen to his thoughts and his opinions, unscripted, about where this nation is heading and the trials and tribulations he has endured to get to where he is today.



Monday, April 11, 2011

Drew’s Guide to Success for Future Classes

Now that we’re almost finished with our first year of the program, I figured I’d pass along a few nuggets that I’ve picked up along the way. Keep in mind, I have not mastered all of these things, but I am still striving. With no further ado, I present “Drew’s Guide to Success for Future Classes”.

1. Load up on business casual/business professional attire.
We wear business casual to class every day and business professional whenever we have speakers, which is quite often. It caught me off guard when I first found out, but I’ve grown to appreciate it. There’s nothing like making heads turn when you’re walking around campus like you’re on your way to a board meeting. Ladies, keep it classy. Gentlemen, if you don’t know how to tie a tie, come see me immediately upon your arrival so I can laugh at you. I’m kidding. In all seriousness, any of the guys in my class would be happy to teach you.

2. Take advantage of the opportunities you will have to work with kids through community service.
We all volunteer at various places in the Orlando community, and it’s a very rewarding experience. The kids really do look up to you and look forward to seeing you every weekend. What’s better than tutoring kids and playing dodgeball and kickball? Nostalgia is a beautiful thing.

3. Find your escape.
DeVos has a way of taking over your life if you let it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I advise you to find an escape. Maybe you like reading books (that aren’t assigned), running, working out, going to concerts, or playing sports. Find something that takes your mind off the daily rigors of the program. I’m always amused when I learn some of the things my classmates use as escapes.

4. Learn how to work on a team.
I can’t overemphasize this. Your classmates are your teammates. Since you are part of a cohort, you are basically part of an army. Not everyone will be good at Finance or Accounting, but you may be. On the other hand, you may not be a good writer. The beauty of it is that you will be part of a team, and that is a powerful thing. Embrace it. There’s no need to try and be a superstar. We don’t hand out MVP awards.

5. Manage you time wisely.
I always thought I was pretty good at managing my time, but now I feel like I’m an expert at it. There are so many things that you will have to stay on top of as a DeVos student, but you will be better for it. Between classes, graduate assistantships (for those fortunate enough to get them), community service, work, your social life, and whatever else you deem important, you will quickly have to prioritize.

6. Find something outside of DeVos that helps develop your career.
My classmates have internships, blog for sports sites, and write articles for sports encyclopedias. Some of my other classmates work for the Orlando Magic or the Annika Foundation. Those are just a few examples. We’re all trying to better ourselves and take advantage of the golden opportunity that we’ve been given.

7. Be selective about how you spend your time.
You will find that there are about a million things you will be able to do while you are in the program. There will be countless opportunities for you to better yourself personally and professionally. However, you don’t need participate in all of them. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Take on what you can and make sure you do them well before you try to add anything else.

8. Don’t forget where you come from and those who helped you get to where you are.
It is so easy to pat ourselves on the back for what we have accomplished, but none of us got where we are alone. Personally, I wouldn’t be here without my family, friends, and mentors. I realize I couldn’t have gotten this far in life without them. I also realize that I represent my family and those back home who have sacrificed or invested in me. The responsibility to make them proud is something that drives me every day.

9. If you are uncomfortable with public speaking, buckle up.
There are so many times that we have to stand before people and introduce ourselves, do a presentation, or speak on a topic. It can be nerve-racking and uncomfortable, but eventually, you will get used to it.

10. Don’t forget to have fun while you’re here.
This is a great program and you will certainly learn a lot in the classroom. However, it is important to get out and enjoy the state of Florida and city of Orlando. It is beautiful here. The amusements parks are great and the weather is wonderful. In my short time here, I have been able to do and experience things I never thought I would. I’ve seen a space shuttle launch, gone to DisneyWorld, gone to Universal Studios, played mud volleyball, eaten things I’d never heard of, taken a tour of ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, gone to Miami, and gone to a Florida game at “The Swamp”. In a few weeks, a few of my classmates are going to Puerto Rico. Enjoy the ride. You will experience so many great things, and it will all be over before you know it. I implore you to open your minds, broaden your horizons, and embrace the diversity of your classmates.

I think that covers everything. Well, that covers almost everything. There are some things that I will leave to you’ll to learn for yourself, but if you let these 10 nuggets guide you, you will be great.

Andrew “Drew” Lilly



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Meet the Class - Chris S.

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: Christopher D. Sarpy

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

Undergraduate School & Major: Tulane University: Undergraduate Major was Finance; also earned a Master of Accounting from Tulane Graduate School

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Worked for Gatorade during the NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job:
*Graduate Assistant for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES)
*Graduate Assistant for the Hope for Stanley Alliance
*Premium Game Day Services Representative for UCF Football

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
I chose the DeVos Program because it had been repeatedly mentioned as one of the most respected programs in the nation. I was also impressed by the networking potential built through the program’s association with so many significant figures in the sports world.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
I would like to work as a business analyst for an NFL, NBA, MLS, NHL, or MLB franchise, or I would like to work in a capology position for the NFL or NBA.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would like to be able to teleport because it would be an unbelievable experience to travel all over the world without the concerns of cost and time.

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 choose to interview former NFL Commissioners Bert Bell and Pete Rozelle. I would like to hear their views regarding the modern NFL, and I would ask what it means to them to be the architects of what is now the most popular & prominent professional sports league in the US.



Monday, April 4, 2011

Meet The Class- Aaron

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: Aaron J. Gearlds

Hometown: Jackson, MS

Undergraduate School & Major: Georgetown College, MAJOR- Kinesiology and Business, MINOR- Sociology

Past Sports Industry Experiences:
*Professional Baseball Player For The Colorado Rockies

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

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program:
Two masters degrees and a chance to learn from the best in the industry.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences):
After completion of the program, I look to obtain a position in Major League Baseball working in player operations with the focus of becoming a general manager.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
I would choose the power to heal and give back life.

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 like the opportunity to interview GOD and ask how can I make the world around me better.