Wichita State University
WSU Sport Management Hosts the
Kansas Sport Summit
On April 17, 2025, Wichita State University's Department of Sport & Leadership Studies hosted the Kansas Sport Summit — a transformative day of discussion, networking, and career development in the world of sports.
Kansas Sport Summit 2025: A Full Day of Connection, Learning, and Growth
The Kansas Sport Summit 2025 was held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Rhatigan Student Center, 3rd Floor at Wichita State University. Hosted by the Department of Sport & Leadership Studies, the summit brought together students, professionals,
and academics in sport management and related fields for a dynamic day focused on
bridging the gap between theory and practice.
The day began with opening remarks from Dr. Mark Vermillion, Director of Sport & Leadership Studies,
followed by remarks from Dr. Clay Stoldt, Ed.D., Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Affairs, College of Applied Studies. Their addresses
welcomed attendees and set the tone for a day filled with dialogue, insight, and opportunity.
The first session of the day was a roundtable discussion on “Women Leaders Shaping Success in the Sport Industry”. Following
that, participants attended morning breakout sessions covering:
-
Navigating Trends and Challenges in Intercollegiate Athletics
-
The Future of Sports Media and Digital Content Creation
-
Behind the Scene: Event and Facility Management in Sports
The summit continued with a luncheon and keynote address by Brian Davison, Founder & CEO of Sports Business Ventures, who shared insights from his career, including leadership
roles at Nike and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Afternoon breakout sessions included:
-
Coaching Across Generations: Strategies for Success
-
Careers in Sports Heritage, Hall of Fame, and Museums
-
The Rise of Esports: Shaping the Future of Entertainment
The summit concluded with a Career Fair and Ignite Interview in Beggs West, where students had the opportunity to network with professionals, explore
career paths, and share their resumes. The session emphasized the importance of preparation,
confidence, and follow-up communication, as highlighted in the summit’s career readiness
tips.
The Kansas Sport Summit 2025 provided attendees with a rich blend of interactive discussions,
professional insights, and networking opportunities—contributing to the academic and
career development of all who participated.
Mark Vermillion, Opening Statements
Kansas Sport Summit 2025
Kansas Sport Summit 2025
WSU Students: Grace Toombs, Nikko Vazquez, Rashad West, Luke Zuberbuehler and Teresa
Vu.
Brian Davison, Keynote Speaker
Founder & CEO, Sports Business Ventures
Founder & CEO, Sports Business Ventures
Attendees, McPherson College
Matt Jacobs, Butler Community College, Dave Holtzman, Kansas City Royals
and Tami Cutler, WSU Athletics
and Tami Cutler, WSU Athletics
Eva Castiglioni, Martin Shetlar, and Uyen Tran
Coaching Across Generations: Strategies for Success
Coaching Across Generations: Strategies for Success
Kansas Sport Summit Career Fair & Networking Event
The summit concluded with a Career Fair and Ignite Interview in Beggs West, where students had the opportunity to network with professionals, explore
career paths, and share their resumes. The session emphasized the importance of preparation,
confidence, and follow-up communication, as highlighted in the summit’s career readiness
tips. The Kansas Sport Summit 2025 provided attendees with a rich blend of interactive
discussions, professional insights, and networking opportunities—contributing to the
academic and career development of all who participated.
Shocker Career Accelerator
Connor Phelps, WSU Athletics
KSS Career Fair, WSU Athletics
Mike Ross, Associate Dean
College of Applied Studies
College of Applied Studies
Dr. Mike Ross Named Associate Dean for Faculty & Staff Affairs in the College of Applied Studies
The College of Applied Studies (CAS) at Wichita State University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Mike Ross as the new Associate Dean for Faculty & Staff Affairs. Dr. Ross will assume his new role on June 23, 2025, following a competitive search process.
“Dr. Ross has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student-centered and mission-driven leadership throughout his 25-year tenure with the WSU-CAS community. His extensive experience and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly enhance our college’s efforts to advance education and community engagement,” said Dr. Jennifer Friend, Dean of the College of Applied Studies.
Set to graduate with a degree in sport management and a minor in communication, Tyler
is ready to begin his next chapter with Athletes Unlimited Softball League as a grassroots
marketing professional.
Meet a Shocker: Tyler Winn
By WSU Strategic Communications
Tyler Winn’s journey at Wichita State University has been shaped by perseverance and applied learning. After transferring from a community college to WSU in 2023, he quickly connected with faculty and gained valuable internships, including with the Wichita Thunder and NCAA March Madness.