The Sport Manager March 2023

Students attending
SMART Lab Speaker Series
with Jocelyn Monroe, VP/Marketing
for KC Current.

WSU Sport Management Well Represented at the 2023 COSMA Conference

WSU Sport Management was well represented at this year’s 2023 Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) Conference. Dr. Mark Vermillion, Dr. Clay Stoldt, Dr. Mike Ross and Dr. Bobby Berry were among the presenters, and panel members discussing current issues of sport management.

 Dr. Vermillion and Dr. Berry presented on “College Basketball Players Perceptions of Self-Esteem, Team Climate, and Coaching Support” which looked at how these factors impact individual and team performance. Dr. Ross presented on “College Esports Student-Athletes’ Perceptions of Life Stress” and “High school athletic directors: Secondary educational leaders’ perceptions”. Dr. Clay Stoldt participated on a panel to discuss “Serving as an Interim Administrator: The Good, the Bad and Sometimes the Temporary”.

WSU Sport Management was among the first programs to be accredited by COSMA. Dr. Vermillion states, “WSU has been a leader in sport management accreditation since the beginning of COSMA, and we continue that involvement annually. Our SMGT faculty serve on COSMA boards, collaborate on COSMA research projects (such as industry salary surveys), present timely and impactful research at conferences and symposia, and continue to network with both sport management educators and practitioners every year. I am proud of our faculty’s involvement and look forward to what is next!”

College of Applied Studies Names New Dean

In January, Dr. Friend took over her new position as Dean of WSU’s College of Applied Studies. Prior to her position at WSU Dr. Friend served as the associate provost for Academic Affairs and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for Rockhurst University. In her new role, Dr. Friend will focus on supporting culturally responsive learning, research, and community engagement, emphasizing diversity, integrity, collaboration, discovery, and leadership.

“The College of Applied Studies is uniquely positioned to have a significant impact on enhancing student access and success, promoting innovations in inclusive digital learning and interdisciplinary academic programs, and advancing funded research that is co-constructed with industry and community partners,” says Friend.

“Dr. Friend’s experience and vision align perfectly with the goals of CAS, namely to advance the academic quality and profile of the college through visionary leadership, strategic planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical governance, and skillful human and financial resource management,” says Dr. Shirley Lefever, WSU executive vice president and provost.