Smith Business magazine, Summer 2024 - Magazine - Page 38
DEAN’S REPORT
UMD students who dream of scoring
careers in the sports management
industry have an impressive group of
alumni in their corner, thanks to the
popular Sports Management Program.
Launched in fall 2023, the 12-credit
undergraduate program is a Smith
partnership with the School of
Public Health, the Philip Merrill
College of Journalism and Maryland
Athletics. With site visits, 昀椀reside
chats and career events, the program
gives students access to a network
of big-league alumni and industry
professionals—many of whom serve
on the program’s advisory council—
from organizations including the
NBA, NFL, MLB, WNBA and ESPN.
The program is a slam dunk for
students, says advisory council
member Doron Tamari ’11, director of
international marketing and innovation
at BSE Global, parent organization of
the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.
“Combining practical classwork with
all of the real-world opportunities that
are available on campus and nearby
is a tremendous way to stand out
and build a résumé,” says Tamari.
“It’s also creating an incredibly
impressive network of alumni
and industry professionals
who are engaging,
guiding and
mentoring
students. I wish I had a similar
program during my undergrad days.”
Steve Schanwald, UMD ’77,
former executive vice president of
business operations with the Chicago
Bulls, spent over 28 years building the
Steve Schanwald, UMD ’77
organization into a world-class
brand through the Michael Jordan
era and beyond. He, too, is bringing
I was fortunate to 昀椀nd mentors during
his expertise to the program’s
my time at UMD, and I’m excited to be
advisory board.
that for today’s students,” she says.
“I look forward to making a
Exposure to industry mentors and
contribution to the future success of
other aspiring sports professionals
this university—which gave me my
drew Valentyna Breslawec, Class of
start—and to its students,” he says.
’25, to the program: “You’re learning
Schanwald recalled many mentors
about the sports business industry and
who helped him along his way and
gaining valuable skills along the way,
wants to extend the same guidance
growing your network through your
and support he received to the
cohort, professors and professionals.”
next generation of sports-industry
Kennedy Evans, MiMS Class of ’25,
professionals. “Now, I can look on top
a kinesiology major and Smith Plus
of the mountain and see some people
1 master’s student, says the program
standing there that I had a small role
supports her career goals. “I’ll be
in helping get there.”
able to apply that knowledge to solve
Advisory council member Amanda
challenges related to player health
Shank, JOUR ’05, is executive vice
and safety, social justice issues and
president of business development
revenue generation.”
and brand strategy at Unrivaled Sports.
She, too, is passionate about helping
students get into the industry.
“It’s important that once
you’ve gotten in the door, you
hold it open for the person
behind you.
Photo provided by Steve Schanwald
ALUMNI HELP UMD
STUDENTS SCORE BIG
IN SPORTS INDUSTRY