WC program hits major heights; would be one of few accredited Sport Management programs

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WILMINGTON — One of Wilmington College’s fastest growing majors, Sport Management, is on track to attain national accreditation in 2017.

This fall, the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) granted WC’s program “candidacy” status as the latest step in the process that will include submitting a self-study in September 2016 followed by a campus visit by a COSMA review team in February 2017.

Program director Daniel Kelly, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sport Management, has overseen program expansion and major changes in the curriculum during his two-plus years at WC.

Earlier this semester, he provided the accrediting body information on the program’s mission, requirements, assessment systems and faculty qualification — a 70-page document he worked on last summer.

He noted that, while many Ohio colleges and universities have Sport Management programs, Wilmington College’s would become only the third nationally accredited in the state and among just over two dozen nationwide.

Kelly said COSMA accreditation would serve as a “calling card” in validating the program’s breadth and depth of quality to prospective students, as well as current students and program alumni.

Earlier this year, WC’s program achieved a “significant milestone” as Best Small Colleges ranked the Sport Management program number one in the nation for institutions with fewer than 3,000 students in its 2015 Sport Management Degree Guide.

Kelly emphasizes the program’s experiential learning opportunities and career preparation component. Indeed, many courses require students attend programs sponsored by the Career Resources Center, such as speed networking exercises, resume/cover letter workshops and alumni panels discussing what employers are looking for in new hires.

Also, Sport Management majors have a significant presence at the annual Etiquette Dinner.

“The Sport Management program places an emphasis on hands-on learning,” Kelly said, noting that Cincinnati Reds and Bengals personnel have been guest presenters in classes and students have ample opportunities to actually stage sport-related events.

“Competition is fierce for the best jobs and we’re making sure our students are getting what they need to be competitive.”

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Would be one of few accredited Sport Management programs

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