Sport Management (B.S.)

Business Administration/Sport Management Major

The sporting industry is a vast field with numerous opportunities. The field of sports management has exploded over the past two decades. This has created much demand and great career opportunities in the world of sports. Aquinas, recognizing this demand, developed the Business Administration/Sport Management major in 1996 with Ernie Romine as the founder. This major provides students with the knowledge and background of a business degree and the field specific knowledge needed for success in the careers tracks of sport, athletics, and fitness. In addition, students can gain hands on experience though internships and the Sport Management Club.

The city of Grand Rapids itself provides many professional teams that provide students with internship opportunities. The Grand Rapids Griffins, West Michigan Whitecaps, and Grand Rapids Flight are just a few of the organizations where Aquinas students have completed internships. Opportunities are also available in the field of sports broadcasting, sports information, fitness management, and college and high school athletics administration to name just a few. One of the top ten largest majors on campus, sport management is a growing field with great potential for any student interested in sports and business.

Sport Management Faculty:

Program Director: Heather Kesselring-Quakenbush, Ph.D.

Qualifications: Experience in sport management includes: Director of Employee Wellness at Lansing Community College, 5K Race Director, Alma College Sport Information, and Youth Sport Coaching. Her educational background includes a Bachelors Degree from Western Michigan University, Masters of Sport Administration from Central Michigan University and Doctorate in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University.

Major Courses Taught: Introduction to Kinesiology studies, Administration of Sport and Recreation

Faculty: Duane Ambrose, Ph.D.

Qualifications: Experience in sport management includes: Wellness Director Knape & Vogt Manufacturing, Wellness Director for Grand Valley Health Plan; Staff Model HMO, President and founder of Walker Amateur Hockey Association Board of directors; predecessor to the current HAWK Hockey Association. His educational background includes a Bachelors Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior , Masters Degree from Western Michigan University , Masters in Coaching from USA Hockey, and Doctorate of Sport Management from United States Sports Academy.

Major Course Taught: Promoting and Funding Sport

Faculty: Brad Winkler, J.D.

Qualifications: Brad received his undergraduate degree from the College of Wooster, his Masters Degree from Bowling Green State University, earned an A.B.D. from Michigan State University, and an attorney licensed to practice in Michigan, he received his Doctorate in law from Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he specialized in sport law.

Major Course Taught: Ethics and Law of Sport, Parliamentary Procedure

Major Requirements

58-64 semester hours of the following depending on credit value of internship:

AG 210	One case study: BS 442, BS 457, or BS 492	KN 159
AG 211	CN 101	KN 332 (spring only)
BS 201	CN 205	KN 362 (fall only)
BS 202	CS 152	KN 397 Internship
BS/CN/PS 212	ES 213	KN 402 (spring only)
BS 305	ES 214	MS 151
BS 415

For further description of the classes offered, please look in the course catalog.

Advisor: Heather Kesselring-Quakenbush Ph.D.

For more information, contact Dr. Kesselring-Quakenbush at hak001@aquinas.edu or (616) 632-2898.