A dual M.S. in sport management and master’s in business administration degree at the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences has provided a solid foundation for Adrian Dowell's career path. Dowell serves as the vice chancellor and director of athletics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a position he has held since December 2021.
In this role, Dowell oversees Omaha Athletics, a Division I athletics program in the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conferences. He also serves on the Chancellor’s Cabinet which includes additional leadership roles on campus. Currently, a typical day includes six or so meetings with staff, coaches, student-athletes, campus peers and external constituents and usually a game, according to Dowell.
The Salem, Va. native says that following graduation from WVU, he served as a director of development and major gifts officer for the WVU Mountaineer Athletic Club for three years. “After WVU, I worked at Creighton University in Omaha for nearly eight years, the last four years as the assistant vice president and associate athletic director,” Dowell said.
Dowell chose WVU for the opportunity to pilot the dual MBA/MS sport management degree. “Plus, I had heard about the outstanding track record of CPASS alumni success,” he said. “CPASS faculty member Dr. Dallas Branch (associate professor emeritus) was central in recruiting me to attend WVU. He was instrumental in establishing the dual degree program,” Dowell said.
As a WVU student, Dowell worked as a graduate assistant for the Mountaineer Athletic Club. “That was an incredible learning experience. It provided me with a network that I continue to use today on a weekly basis,” he said.
Dowell tells students to enjoy their college and graduate experience. “One day you will realize it was the best period of your life. Network with your peers as there is an excellent chance that your paths will cross again professionally,” Dowell added. “As a WVU student, I feel that not much can top the buzz and experience in Morgantown surrounding a home football game weekend.”