"Teaching Thursdays," How Ohio University Got To Be Top Dog...

Last week the Sports Business Journal printed their annual directory of sports management programs in the United States alone, and listed a staggering 356 schools that are offering some kind of program. What the quality of the programs, who is teaching at these schools, and how are they helping students get jobs is up for some debate, and frankly, that is one of the reasons why we launched this “Teaching Thursdays” q and a. To highlight the best practices of those who are making a difference in the space and helping young people launch successful careers. This week we look at a school that has been in the space since the start, Ohio University.

While Athens, Ohio is not an urban area, the Bobcats’ program has grown to be recognized as one of the best for years, and is still moving the needle in terms of development, alumni and innovation in the space. We caught up with Jim Kahler Executive Director for the AECOM Center for Sports Administration to learn more about the program’s path for success.

How has Ohio U, not in a major urban area, maintained a level of excellence through the years?

We place a great deal of emphasis on recruiting and feel if we can get a prospective student to visit Athens that we can continue to hold our position as one of the leaders in sports business education. Once they come to campus and experience our culture we can show them how connected we are to our alumni and the industry. Our AECOM Center for Sports Administration plays a key role in keeping Ohio University connected to both groups.

What are some of the things you have been mist proud of?

Without coming across as being too boastful I am proud of our #1 world wide ranking with Sport Business International and more importantly our former students and young alumni that are driving those rankings. Our current theme sums it all up – Respect the past and represent the future.

Is the space too crowded today? How does a student choose a quality path with so many choices?

I believe the space is overcrowded and will never say anything negative about the competition, however I will encourage prospective students to look at two key metrics. The placements of the class that just graduated and size of the cohort of any institution.

You were a pioneer in an online program, how has that gone?

We had a long debate before moving forward with our Professional MSA Program. Would it lead to brand dilution or brand extension. I’m happy to report that it has led to brand extension and we are thrilled with the quality of students ( average age of 33 with eight years of sports business experience) and the synergy that has been created with our on campus students.

What are some of the new areas that are opening up and are now being taught?

I’m not sure it’s new but we are placing a much greater emphasis on sports business analytics. With our recent curriculum review and redesign we made it a point to amplify analytics across three of our MSA required courses ( research, revenue generation and capstone).

Are there some core values that have never changed that students need to have?

Absolutely ! Giving back , teamwork , community and hard work were the pillars 50 years ago when Ohio University had the first program and they are still in place today.

 There is so much of a push into a global environment, yet the largest sports business market is still North America. How do you balance that as a program?

We have an international committee that includes our faculty and alumni from around the world. With two partner universities ( Beyruth / Germany and Deakin / Australia) we are building for the future and looking to create additional programming.

Where do you get your news?

The Sports Business Journal is required reading for our students and we have been subscribing to IEG’s All Access for a number of years. In addition to those sources we track sports business news from around the world and distribute to our faculty and students through our center.

 What makes a good teacher these days on any level?

Someone that has practical industry experience and a passion to research, commitment to meet with students outside the classroom and make their coursework interactive.

 If I am a student starting to think about a career, what advice would you give me?

Understand your strengths and determine how you can add value to an organization. Be patient and don’t think your going to become a c-level executive overnight. Embrace every opportunity along your journey and treat everyone from the CEO to the entry level interns with respect.