Every spring semester, juniors and seniors majoring in sport management are required to take Leadership in Sport Organizations SM 350. In this course students get the opportunity to learn and discuss the basic tenets of leadership theory and its application to sport.
Last spring, Dr. Gonzalo Bravo, associate professor and course instructor, decided to go beyond the books and invite industry front-runners to the classroom to discuss their perspectives on leadership in various fields such as community development, collegiate athletics, outdoors expeditions and higher education administration. From February to April, five high profile heads visited CPASS and provided students with various perspectives of how direction occurs in and outside the domain of sport.
On February 26, Billy Williams, strategic partnership director at NURU International presented the case of how servant management occurs in a non-for-profit organization that aims to end extreme poverty in remote rural areas of the world. Williams discussed that leaders are not just individuals with a vision, but, most importantly, take an active role in making that vision happen. While NURU goals are not directly connected to sport, the examination of how leadership operates in this non-governmental organization demonstrates how to equip leaders with the tools needed to design and implement effective and sustainable community programs.
On March 11, CPASS Dean Dana Brooks shared his leadership philosophy which stressed the importance of developing people’s skills at work. Brooks noted that in working environments it is of paramount importance to keep and maintain positive relationships and a good dose of humor with the people you work with.
On May 18, Aldo Boitano, board member for the International Leadership Association, discussed how different aspects of management occur in a non-traditional sport setting like in an expedition to the Himalayas. Boitano discussed the meaning and application of leadership in theory and from his own experience as a world class climber. He explained the importance of developing trust among peers and the capacity to make quick decisions when facing high risk situations.
On April 15, Shane Lyons, director of Intercollegiate Athletics and associate vice president at West Virginia University, shared his philosophy and vast experience in working in collegiate athletics. Lyons highlighted the importance of exercising patience and reflectiveness when making important decisions and the need to recognize when decisions need to be made. For those anxious to advance their professional career, Lyons stressed the value of learning to be patient and wait for the right time to make important personnel decisions. Lyon, who is a proud West Virginian and sport management program alumnus, discussed the importance of learning from others and being personal and approachable.
Finally, on April 26, students had the opportunity to meet WVU President E. Gordon Gee. President Gee discussed the importance of sound decisions, relying not only on deep thinking, careful analysis and having access to a team of advisors, but also on the capacity to make the final call and endure further criticism if things go in the opposite direction. In this regard, Gee said that leaders must develop a “thick skin” and a good sense of humor. Gee stressed the importance of authenticity. “A great leader is someone who isn’t afraid to be who he/she is.” Gee provided several examples of complex decisions he had made in regard to collegiate athletics.
CPASS sport management students and faculty thank the five presenters for sharing their expertise and perspective on leadership with the College.