Cary Groth
Courtesy Photo
Nicole Shearer | Special to the NNBW
Thursday, April 15, 2021
The College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno has hit the ground running on its new Sports Management program. This particular area of emphasis within the College has received overwhelming support from multiple key donors and sports organizations including but not limited to the Las Vegas Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Aces, Reno Aces, Las Vegas Aviators and Women Leaders in College Sports.
In addition to the undergraduate Sports Management minor, which launched in December 2020 to all admitted University undergraduate students, the College is launching an online nine-month Executive Certificate in Sports Management, uniquely designed for sports industry professionals to gain relevant and in-depth knowledge about the industry.As part of the certificate program, students will learn from the experts in the industry, participate in experiential learning within one of the program’s partner organizations and attend the two-and-a-half-day Tahoe Sports Summit at Lake Tahoe with industry leaders, culminating in their graduation ceremony.
“I am honored to join the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Sports Management Program Executive Board,” Marc Badain, Las Vegas Raiders president, said. “I am committed to supporting the program’s mission ‘to develop and instill best practices in the sports industry’ and assisting in enhancing the students’ educational experience.”
Cary Groth leads the Sports Management Program as its director after spending four decades in intercollegiate athletics and administration. She served as athletic director at two NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision institutions – the University of Nevada, Reno and Northern Illinois University – and is the CEO of The PICTOR Group, an athletics consulting company.
“Classes in this program will be taught by some of the best in the industry, teaching relevant subject matters drawing from their professional experiences,” Groth said. “It is important that students learn the issues facing the sports industry while learning from those in it. The Executive Certificate is designed for all interested in or currently working in the sports industry.”
The Executive Certificate curriculum covers the issues facing the sports industry at all levels – from community sports commissions to intercollegiate athletics to professional sports organizations – focusing on the business side of the industry.
“The impact of business activity encompassed by activities and events involving sports, recreation and athletics in our community, state and region is significant and growing,” Greg Mosier, dean of the College of Business, said. “We’re excited to make a significant impact in this area across the state and also the country.”
Classes for the Executive Certificate begin in Fall of 2021, with enrollment now open. The courses will be taught entirely online – aside from the Tahoe Sports Summit that takes place in May – making the program accessible from anywhere. Individuals are encouraged to apply early as the program is anticipated to fill quickly. People interested in learning more can also email sptm@unr.edu..
“I am thrilled to join this esteemed group to guide and help build this innovative educational program,” Patti Phillips, chief executive officer of Women Leaders in College Sports, said. “Kudos to the college leadership for pulling together such a diverse group of industry leaders to provide a relevant and impactful educational experience for students who enroll in this program.”
