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Advisory Board Provides Advantages for MAIAA Students in Indiana

Advisory Board Provides Advantages for MAIAA Students in Indiana
MAIAA students gather at NCAA offices in Indianapolis.
Six University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate students were invited to attend the 2017 NCAA Regional Rules Seminar in Indianapolis, May 15-17. The master of arts in business with a specialization in intercollegiate athletic administration (MAIAA) students gained insight on athletics compliance and connected with the program’s advisory board members who provided additional networking opportunities.

“This trip to the Regional Rules Seminar, which is for professionals and practitioners, sets the Nebraska MAIAA program apart from other sport-specific graduate programs. Full-time graduate students typically do not attend this conference and with the additional benefit of meeting with NCAA decision-makers, it provides a great advantage for our students,” said Dr. Jake Messersmith, executive director of graduate programs and associate professor of management.

MAIAA students visit the historic Indy 500 race track.
MAIAA students visit the historic Indy 500 race track.
Kathy Sulentic, associate director of enforcement for the NCAA, chair of the academic integrity unit and chair of the MAIAA Advisory Board, recommended the Nebraska students attend the seminar because compliance content applies to any specialization of collegiate athletics. Additionally, she coordinated meetings between students and various NCAA members such as Felicia Martin, vice president of the NCAA Eligibility Center; Jonathan Duncan, vice president of enforcement; and Oliver Luck, executive vice president of regulatory affairs.

The seminar consisted of sessions and panels discussing basic to advanced compliance topics ranging from social media, recruiting and investigations. Nebraska students received first-hand advice during one-hour sessions with NCAA members outside of the seminar.

“Attending the NCAA Regional Rules Seminar was an opportunity for our cohort to learn about compliance and enforcement outside of the classroom. Meeting with members of our advisory board and many prestigious individuals from the NCAA National Office allowed us to get our questions answered and strengthen our connections,” said Jack Lesure, MAIAA student and Carmel, Indiana native.

The students also toured Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where they met with Kristine Fowler, senior associate athletic director for compliance and MAIAA advisory board member. Fowler arranged a panel discussion with seven other athletic department members, based on the students’ specializations.

The students toured the Indiana University in Bloomington.
The students toured the Indiana University in Bloomington.
“Kris generously offered to give us an insider tour of the university. The panel provided students with the opportunity to interact with professionals, ask questions and gain insight about what it’s like to work in the industry,” said Brandon Urry, MAIAA program coordinator.

MAIAA students who attended the seminar include:
Sean Bourke, Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Kate Frazier, Springfield, Missouri
Lorie Garnett, Manteca, California
Jack Lesure, Carmel, Indiana
Joe Manion, Powhatan, Virginia
Anna Milone, Omaha, Nebraska
 
To learn more about the MAIAA program at Nebraska, visit: business.unl.edu/maiaa.
Published: June 27, 2017