New faculty aim to help students become aspiring industry leaders

CPASS welcomes three new faculty members to campus this fall. Patrick Hairston, sport management teaching assistant professor, Peter McGahey, coaching and performance science teaching assistant professor, and Brent Oja, sport management assistant professor, bring a clear vision, specialized expertise and strong industry connections to support student success.

Hairston, McGahey and Oja will focus on challenging students to enhance their critical thinking skills, develop best practices, engage in research and discover their passion as they prepare for viable career options.

Degree Info

• Delaware State University, ED.D. in Educational Leadership
• West Virginia University, M.S. in Sport Management
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte, B.A. in Human Services

Fun Facts

• Former University of North Carolina at Charlotte Baseball student-athlete
• Hobbies include physical fitness activities, reading, attending sporting events and spending time with the family
• Spouse, Vanessa Meeks Hairston, children, Patrick, Jr. and Faith

What is your vision in moving the program forward?

I am looking forward to working with the current faculty to help maintain the high quality and standard of teaching excellence. In addition, as a former sport management professional, I want to help CPASS to ensure that the current undergraduate and graduate sport management program curriculum is meeting today's industry needs and requirements. As industry paradigm shifts take place, CPASS needs to be on the cutting edge with its curriculum to prepare students for current and future market demands. I want to add teaching and leadership value to a nationally recognized program.

What do you see as benefits of the major for students coming to WVU CPASS?

WVU CPASS has a rich tradition and has high expectations for its students. CPASS has produced outstanding alumni who have become successful professionals. For students earning a sport management degree, it will prepare them for various career options. The degree is universal due to its core curriculum, which exposes students to a variety of subject matters such as general business concepts, marketing, leadership, diversity and inclusion. Earning a sport management degree or any degree from CPASS will make students marketable for the workforce or for advancing to higher academic options such as teaching.

What are your strengths that you will bring to the CPASS sport management program?

I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to CPASS. Being a successful practitioner who has worked in various leadership roles in collegiate and professional sports, I will apply my real-world experiences to academics. I have personally worked with industry leaders who have mentored and taught me tremendous leadership skills. In addition, I have a national sport network of administrators and coaches who can provide me insights about the business and culture of sports. My collegiate athletic employment is unique. I have been employed at all levels of Division I athletics, worked at the NCAA national office and two Division I Football Subdivision conference offices. Moreover, I have worked at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). I am a WVU CPASS sport management program alumnus. I will bring my passion and energy to the program.

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Degree Info

• Minnesota State University, Mankato, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• Ball State University, MA in Physical Education Coaching
• Metropolitan State College of Denver, BA in Human Performance and Sport

Fun Facts

• Holds a United States Soccer Federation A License
• Certified US Soccer Grassroots Instructor
• More than 30 years of practical coaching and scouting experience ranging from grassroots to athletes with special needs, elite youth to high school and NCAA Division I to the Olympic Development Program levels

What is your vision in moving the program forward?

I am excited to join the faculty for one the premier coaching education programs in the world and am humbled by the opportunities ahead to work collaboratively as a faculty to positively influence others and continue to develop people through sport. Looking forward to providing experiences that challenge coaches to cultivate critical thinking skills, develop personal best practices, incorporate cutting-edge research and acquire a holistic approach to sport-coaching. As the profession of sport coaching continues to evolve, we will empower our coaches to discover and develop into the best version of themselves. Let's GO! ... Mountaineers!

What do you see as benefits of the major for students coming to WVU CPASS?

CPASS and our sport coaching program provides coaches an opportunity to learn and develop at West Virginia University, which is known as a true world-class institution. CPASS is committed to developing sport coaches of tomorrow, today. We have the highest caliber faculty supported by exceptional facilities and multi-discipline programs that make CPASS the place to be for aspiring coaches and sport science leaders.

What are your strengths that you will bring to the CPASS sport management program?

I bring practical coaching, scouting and leadership experience at many levels of the developmental pathway. I have experience co-creating learner-centered environments that provide opportunities for individuals to become the best version of themselves and I find joy in connecting with learners along their journey. I love to co-create challenging learning environments that foster discovery and cultivate growth.

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Degree Info

• University of Kansas, Ph.D. in Education, Specialization in Sport Management
• West Virginia University, M.S. in Sport Management
• University of Minnesota, B.A. in History and B.S. in Sport Studies, emphasis in Sport Management

Fun Facts

• While at Minnesota, served as a student equipment manager for the football team
• Served as equipment manager for multiple sport organizations, including the San Francisco 49ers, Colorado State University, Iowa State University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Colorado
• Served for five years as an assistant professor of sport administration at the University of Northern Colorado

What is your vision in moving the program forward?

My vision for the program is to become one of the premier sport management programs by generating and disseminating practical and impactful knowledge of sport organizations’ optimal functioning. I am a proud alumnus of WVU and the sport management program and I have high expectations for our students and program. I hope to contribute to this vision with my experience in the sport industry and research concerning the professional development of sport employees and its impact on organizational performance.

What do you see as benefits of the major for students coming to WVU CPASS?

We have tremendous faculty at WVU. Our faculty will provide practical industry insights and bring cutting-edge research into the classroom. We have great connections within the realm of sport business for students to gain a foothold in the industry.

What are your strengths that you will bring to the CPASS sport management program?

I started my career as an equipment manager before transitioning to a professor. Having those first-hand industry experiences help me translate research into practice. I have a passion for research and learning. One of my favorite aspects of being a professor is bringing that hunger and knowledge into the classroom. My research line is focused on cultivating positive experiences for sport employees and then translating those experiences into improved organizational functionality. In other words, I focus my research efforts on career positions that CPASS sport management students are seeking.