Meet the Class 2011 - Lavera

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: Lavera Morris

Hometown: Orlando, FL

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Kentucky-Kinesiology

Past Sports Industry Experiences: none

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

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: The dual degrees, and the opportunities and activities that are provided in the program.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): After graduation my short term plan is to become an A.D. at a small college. My long term plan is to open a fitness facility in an effort to decrease the obesity rates.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? I would chose Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo-Jo) because she was a great American sprinter and one of my inspirations when I first started running. Steve Prefontaine also because he was a great American runner and he is someone who is a very important figure to distance runners. Lastly I would chose Billie Jean King because I feel as if she had a instrumental part in why I am able to be a confident female athlete.

More than a program - We're a family

“Huh? Sport business management? What’s that? What can you do with that?”

Since the fall of 2007 (when I first decided I wanted to pursue my Sport Business Management MBA) that has always been the response I have gotten when I tried to explain to friends and family “what I wanted to be when I grew up”. After two years of fielding that question while doing everything necessary to make that goal a reality – it is almost a surreal feeling that I am about to start my fourth week of classes in the DeVos Program.

These first four weeks have been a bit of a blur with so much going on and so many opportunities presenting themselves – at times it’s hard for me to sort out everything that I have already gotten to experience in just a short month. I only bring this up because I know that if time is flying for me, chances are it’s flying for you as well.

For many of you, you’re in the homestretch – you are studying up to take your GMAT, getting your resume together, and racking your brains about this admission essay; meanwhile you are trying to take advantage of every academic and professional opportunity that presents itself because you have been doing for some time exactly what I had to do.

You’re answering that question – you are trying to explain to people your passion and why you want to get into this program so badly. For some of you, you can straight up tell your parents that you one day want to be the President of the San Diego Chargers, the VP of Marketing for the PGA, the Athletic Director for USC, or the Marketing Director for Nike. Others of you are not sure exactly what you want to do but you know one thing – that you love sports, that you want to work in this industry, and [I hope] that you want to make a positive difference along the way.

In my case, a lot of my friends and family could not understand, and many of them, still do not understand exactly what I am studying or what my goals are – but it’s okay; because they see my passion for it and they support me in pursuing something that I absolutely love. My family does not necessarily like the fact that I am so far away – that I moved from rural Missouri to Orlando, Florida. Yet, they know that not only do I want to work in sports but I want to promote diversity and bring about social change. They understand that if these truly are my goals then the only program for me is the one here at the University of Central Florida.

I have been asked the questions, I am still being asked the questions, and sometimes it is hard to come up with an answer. I have been exactly where you are right now and I am telling you what my best of friends told me throughout this process – stay the course. If you are truly passionate about this program and what this program stands for then this is the place for you and I am excited for you to open this next chapter in your life.

I know what it is like for your friends and family to not understand the degree you are pursuing or why you worked long hours for little to no money in that summer sports internship but I am only four weeks in and I can tell you – it’s totally worth it. The reason that I know that it’s worth it; the reason that I have been able to make this transition; and the reason that I know that you can succeed in this program is because I know that when you choose to come to DeVos, you will be blessed with just as awesome as a class as I have already been.

When you choose DeVos you are not just choosing “another graduate program”, you are choosing something more than that – you are choosing to become a part of this family. I thought that when I first got down here that I was going to be intimidated because I was going to be surrounded by 28 other students in my class, many of whom got higher test scores than I did, or had better grades, or had more sport experience. I was a bit nervous because my undergraduate degrees were not business at all but when I got down here I realized that none of that really mattered – I had been chosen to be a part of the DeVos Class of 2011 and each and every one of us had been chosen for a specific reason.

You would think that the mindset among such a group of people would be one of competition – trying to get the best of the best jobs and opportunities. But the truth is we are one class, one team, and one family – we are all working together because we all have similar goals and the truth is – we need each other to accomplish whatever our individual goals may be.

I have only been around this group for a little over a month and I already know that I can go up to any one of my 28 classmates with a need and they are going to help me out. I know that they support my goals and dreams in the same way that I support theirs and the best part – I have a group of friends who doesn’t ask me, “sport business management? What’s that? What can you do with that?”; because they are along for the same exact ride that I am on.

It is amazing to be part of such a small close-knit group. It is incredible to know that I have that kind of support. And it is incredible to know that our class has three directors who will give us a more complete education about the sports industry than can be found anywhere else. We will learn about the business, marketing, and trends of the sports industry, but unlike other programs, we get the chance to learn about how to foster diversity and the ethics needed to succeed in the sports industry. These are lessons that are just as, if not more important, then the business aspects of the industry – and the only place that will teach you these lessons and give you such a holistic education is the DeVos program here at UCF.

I know that you are reading this blog because you have at least thought that this might be the right program for you. You are reading this because you want to be a part of the DeVos family. You have been working so hard – you did that internship, you are taking your GMAT, you worked hard to get the right grades, and I know at some point you have had to answer that question. You have had to explain to others why you are pursuing this degree and what exactly that degree is.

What is sports business management? Generally speaking, it is the application of business principles and practices to the sports industry. What can you do with it? Almost anything you want. You can have the opportunity to get that job you have always dreamed of having. You can promote diversity in a sports setting. You can bring about positive social change. Why DeVos? Because we’re more than a program, we’re a family. We’re a family that is dedicated to the ethics and diversity of sport. We’re a family that cares just as much about your professional goals as you do. We’re the family and we’re the program that can enable you to be the change. And Florida’s a pretty great place to live as well. :)

I know you’ve been working hard and I know you want to be apart of this program and trust me, your application due date, your interview, and your first week of classes will be here before you know it. Don't quit now - because trust me, everything that you are doing now and going through - it is absolutely worth it.

Keep up the hard work!

Devan

Meet the Class 2011 - David

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: David Benoit

Hometown: Boston, Ma

Undergraduate School & Major: University of Central Florida, Marketing

Past Sports Industry Experiences: UCF Athletics Sales & Service Account Executive. Auburn University Montgomery Assistant Intramurals Director

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Central Florida Sports Commission Ticket Sales/Marketing Intern. The Institute of Diversity &Ethics in Sport Graduate Assistant

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: Its focus on ethics and diversity amongst one of the most dominating industry on the planet. Also, the ability to pursue 2 degrees.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): I want to work in the front office of an NFL franchise or for the NFL itself.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? Joe Lapchick, Eddie Robinson, Jim Brown

Meet the Class 2011 - Tarek

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: Tarek Chehab

Hometown: Daytona Beach, Florida

Undergraduate School & Major: Saint Leo University, Accounting

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I am working on earning my Certification as a public accountant. I would love to work as a CPA for the sport/entertainment industry. My long term aspiration is to become a Chief Financial Officer of a Professional Sports team.

Future Career Ambitions: Where to begin? The stress on ethics and diversity are very important to me. Issues such as social and professional equality for women and minorities are pinnacle. The camaraderie of being in a family-type environment with small class sizes. The importance the DeVos program sets on giving back to the community. Lastly and certainly not least- the “living classroom” vision because, lets face it- there are a lot of things in the real world that cannot be taught in class.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why: (1) Hakeem Olajuwon, in his 1993-1994 season he was the first player to be named NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year and NBA Finals MVP in the same season. Even though he was a beast on the court he won me over as my favorite NBA player because of his off court humbleness. (2) Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer, this man is a coaching genius. Don’t believe me? Read his book - Urban's Way: Urban Meyer, the Florida Gators, and His Plan to Win. (3) Tiger Woods, it just would be weird for me not answer with the best golfer in the world with such an inquiry.

Meet the Class 2011 - Daniel

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: Daniel Caudy

Hometown: Hilton Head, South Carolina

Undergraduate School & Major: University of South Carolina. Bachelor of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management

Past Sports Industry Experiences: I have completed two internships to date. My first internship was with the Columbia Inferno. a minor league hockey team in the ECHL. My second internship was with the Compliance Office of the Georgia Tech Athletic Association in Atlanta, Georgia.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistantship with The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: I chose the DeVos program for several reasons. The fact that the program is highly regarded throughout the country and puts an emphasis on business principles as well as sport was a deciding factor. The emphasis the program places on ethics, diversity, and social change brought through sport were extremely important to me as I believe sport is a vehicle through which we can make a difference in society. The opportunity to work with a small, tight-knit group of people who share my interests for 16 months excited me. Lastly, the opportunity to learn from some of the world-class professors who lead this program made DeVos seem like the perfect place for me.

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): I have not completely decided what I want to do once I have completed the DeVos program. As of right now I have two ultimate goals: The Athletics Director for a BCS conference school, and the President/General Manager of a National Hockey League team. In the short term I hope to be gainfully employed by a BCS conference school, an NHL team, or the NCAA or NHL national offices.

Meet the Class 2011 - Natalie

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: Natalie Welch

Hometown: Cherokee Indian Reservation, North Carolina

Undergraduate School & Major: The University of Tennessee, Bachelor's in Sport Management, minor in business

Past Sports Industry Experiences: Mainly fitness related, I've worked in 2 different fitness centers doing a little bit of everything. I also interned at the UT Thornton Athletics Student Life Center, working with student athletes progress towards degrees.

Current G.A. or Sports Industry Related Internship/Job: Graduate Assistant - The Institute for Diversity & Ethics in Sport

Future Career Ambitions (1 to 2 sentences): There are so many things I want to do in my career. I would love to work with a team or organization on fitness-related community outreach. I would also like to eventually open up my own fitness and sport related business. Another goal I have is obtain my doctorate degree so I can one day teach at the collegiate level and then establish a sport management program.

Reasons for Choosing the DeVos Program: So many reasons! The dual degree is an obvious reason. What really makes DeVos special is the focus on ethics, diversity, and simply making an impact on the sports world.

If you could play a round of golf with any three sports figures (dead or alive, on the field or off) who would you choose and why? I would have to choose Jim Thorpe because he was one of the greatest Native American athletes of all time and I would love to get his perspective from the good old days; Have to do Michael Jordan, the greatest!; Kathrine Switzer because she was the woman who challenged the all-male tradition of the Boston Marathon and became the first woman to officially run it.

Being the Change

Hey Everyone,

My name is Devan (or as my classmates call me – Digs) and I am stoked to have the opportunity to spend the next 16 months sharing my DeVos experience with all of you. Everything that has brought me to the point where I am a member of the Class of 2011 has been nothing short of one fantastic ride; but I know the real adventure is just about to begin.

I recently graduated from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) where I received a dual-bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Political Science. While at UCM I participated in a number of student organizations and completed a number of internships and it was during the summer of 2007, while serving as the Assistant General Manager for a minor league sports team, that I realized that what I had always wanted to do and what I wanted to do now, more than ever, was work in the field of sports.

But to simply work in the sports industry was not and is not enough for me. No matter what field I work in, I have always wanted to be somewhere that I could make a difference; I wanted to be in a position where I could bring about social change and foster diversity. These have always been goals of mine and as I looked at sport management programs across the country – I found there was one that could not only provide me a top-notch education; but one that would support and encourage my other endeavors as well. I have always lived by Gandhi’s maxim of, “be the change you wish to see in the world” and since it’s inception, the DeVos program at UCF has done just that and in my first two weeks here, I have been fortunate enough to be apart of that change.

Last week, the DeVos classes of 2010 and 2011 went to New Orleans and spent a week rebuilding the Ninth Ward, which is still in ruin even four years after Hurricane Katrina. We spent the week doing a number of jobs which included insulating houses, hanging sheet rock, and painting. We did this in cooperation with Hope For Stanley and the St. Bernard Project (CNN’s Humanitarian Organization of the Year for 2008). Overall, it was an eye-opening trip that gave all of us the chance to truly give our time, our talents, and our energy to help rebuild a city that still desperately needs our help. This was the 22nd such trip by the DeVos program and there are already plans for at least two more this school year.

I cannot even begin to describe the emotions that such an experience stirred in me or to tell you the things I saw but I will tell you that it was one of the most meaningful weeks of my life. In the Ninth Ward, we saw devastation, we saw shortcomings, and we saw a disaster; but we also saw hope – we saw the heart of the city; we saw the spirit of New Orleans that assured me that the Big Easy will one day shine bigger and brighter than ever and to be a part of this rebuilding endeavor now and in the future is something that I am definitely looking forward to.

I came to DeVos because I do want to work in the sports industry, I do want to be successful; but more than anything – I want to make a difference; I want to be the change and sport is the best way to implement that change. Dr. Lapchick will often say that, “there’s something about sport” and he’s absolutely right. Sport unites us, sport brings us together, and in the case of New Orleans, sport has renewed the hope of an entire population, and sport is rebuilding that great city.

Last week I realized that more than ever DeVos is the place for me and I look forward to receiving a world-class education and using the influence of this industry to make a positive difference in the world. There is something about sport that transcends shoe contracts, web-gems, and multi-million dollar deals – there’s an opportunity to be that change. There are 29 of us in the class of 2011 who are here for that very reason and I’m excited to be a part of this class and to see what we will accomplish and how we will change the face of sport.

Until next week,

Devan

What We Did On Our Summer Vacation

With our last semester of classes now underway (woo-hoo!), I wanted to give you all a quick update on how the Class of 2010 has spent our time since the summer term ended.

The Intramural 5-on-5 Soccer team, led by a balanced scoring attack throughout the tournament, won the Summer Competitive League Championship with a 4-1 victory in the title game. This is the third championship won to-date by members of the 2010 class, with previous titles earned in baseball and women's basketball. In our downtime away from class, we found time for some relaxation, the celebration of several of our summer birthdays, and time home to see family and friends.

A group of 10 DeVos students made a week-long trip to Toronto and New York City. Based upon all of the stories and laughs that have been shared since this group got back to Florida, it is evident that a good time was had by all. Some highlights of the trip included visits to the home ballparks for the Blue Jays and Yankees, informational interviews at Madison Square Garden, Canadian theme parks and all of the notable NYC tourist attractions.

We concluded our summer vacation with a return trip to New Orleans to assist with Hope For Stanley in rebuilding homes in the Lower Ninth. Much of our time was spent working with the St. Bernard Project, an outstanding New Orelans based group that was honored this past year when its founder Liz McCarthy was named the CNN Hero of the Year. Our class did everything from installing insulation, hanging drywall, mold remediation, mudding, painting, sanding and perofrming the final touches on homes for residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina's devastation. Additionally, the DeVos Program welcomed the new Class of 2011 on their first trip to New Orleans. The new class is a great group and we look forward to getting to know them better and helping to set them up for success in our final months in DeVos. Expect to see new postings soon that will introduce the new class and detail their unique experiences as they begin their graduate studies.

That's all for now, back to the books. Take care and enjoy the day.

-Charlie