Diversity in Coaching panel with Hue Jackson

Diversity in Coaching. Tackling Challenges. Hue Jackson, Alvis Whitted, Ryan Davis and Jason Hardee with their professional title. Sport Industry Webinar Series Thursday, July 16, 3 p.m.

Senior internship projects for UNF’s Sport Management Program students looked quite different this year. The students couldn’t physically go out into the field, so they brought the professional experts to them.

Students, under the director of Dr. Kristi Sweeney, sport management professor, formed the new “Professional Practice in Sport Management” course to create a virtual learning experience where they can interact directly with sport industry professionals. As part of the course, student teams designed and will deliver a virtual sport-industry expert webinar series.

The initial webinar, “Diversity in Coaching: Tackling Challenges,” will explore the role of diversity in sports and challenges the industry faces. Students will hear from athletics professionals including Hue Jackson, former head coach for the Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders; Alvis Whitted, wide receivers coach for the University of Wisconsin and nine-year NFL veteran; Jason Hardee, defensive line coach for the College of San Mateo; and Ryan Davis, head football strength and conditioning coach for the University of Maryland.

Other upcoming webinars will feature presentations, lectures and panel discussions from industry experts Dan Edward, senior VP of communications for the Jacksonville Jaguars; Harold Craw, general manager of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp; Jesy Rose, foundation manager of the Just in Queso Foundation; Tammie Talley, athletic director of Duval County Public Schools; Josh Baker, UNF assistant director of athletic development, and many more.

This new course allows students to explore the ways business principles are applied in the athletics industry and provides tangible experiences of practical sport management skills that can be applied in their future careers.