VU panel discusses trends in sports administration

VALPARAISO | A panel at Valparaiso University on Friday focused on future trends, partnerships and internship opportunities in the sports administration industry.

Hosted by VU's sports administration graduate school, the roundtable included professionals in the areas of media, facilities management, parks and recreation, and business operations.

David Rowland, associate provost and assistant dean of the graduate school, said the roundtable guests will help lead the direction the sports administration program at VU takes in the future and keep it relevant to what the market demands.

"As we re-invent and rethink our programs, we want input from people out there who are likely to be hiring our graduates and who have their finger on the pulse of the market and see trends before we do," Rowland said. "What they say today will affect what the program will look like in two or four years."

David Rolling, director of the sports administration program, said the discussion gives students hope that jobs are out there.

"Maybe we can solve problems for some of these organizations in the classroom," he said. "It can help students accomplish some things before they enter the workforce. For the students, it's about resume lines and a portfolio that goes beyond the diploma."

Kyle Ekberg, who is in his second semester of the sports administration master's program, hopes the roundtable can help bring structure to the program's career planning.

"Hopefully we'll have people call us and say they want to be on our internship list," Ekberg said.

Katie Lavalley, one of the program's newest graduates and a track and field coach at the university, also hopes to see development of the internship program. She said her internship with the Indiana Fever of the WNBA was "invaluable" and has helped her prepare for job interviews.

"It opened doors for me and these meetings help open doors for the program, the students and the people in the community to develop relationships, internships and potential jobs," she said.

Former Valparaiso University men's basketball coach Homer Drew assisted with the event and was a guest. Drew said the event was important for the students' success.

"It helps students get out and get some practical experience, and it's an opportunity for them to expand their horizons," Drew said.

Professionals at the roundtable included Carrie Forsman, a VU graduate and director of athletic facilities at Northwestern University; John Siebert, director, Valparaiso Parks and Recreation; Dan Welch, director, Valparaiso Boys & Girls Club; and Marie Kubina, curriculum manager, Opportunity Enterprises.