Student Spotlight
Braxton Parker
Braxton Parker
BA 2018
What made you choose to come to WSU?
I come from Wyandotte County in KCK where opportunities are rare and it easy to fall
in with the wrong group. Nobody has any role models to look up to. I wanted to show
people you don't have to play sports to go to college and it's very obtainable. I
chose WSU specifically because everyone who does go to college in the KCK area usually
chooses local colleges like KU & K-State and I wanted to move a little farther and
meet new people.
What made you decide to study Sport Management at WSU?
I originally was in the mechanical engineering program and realized it was not for
me because I dreaded going to class. If I couldn't stand the courses there was no
way I could do it as a career the rest of my life. Playing and being around sports
made me realize SMGT is a great fit for me. SMGT also allows me to use my art talents/
creativity. Dr. V(ermillion) actually helped me make this decision when I was confused
on what my next step should be. The staff in SMGT really try to help make sure you're
comfortable in the program and focus on your talents.
How long have you been painting and what does your art mean to you?
Drawing started for me when I was younger as a mechanism to stay out of trouble.
I would always finish my work faster than others in class so I had to redirect my
energy somewhere else. It wasn't until last year I got into painting and graphic design
but I became naturally good because of my drawing base I had taught myself. To me
art is a way to express yourself. It's one of the few things that doesn't have rules
are guidelines, you just release all your energy into a project.
We've purchased some of your art and it is on display in the Sport Management office.
How would others see your work? Do you have a website?
You can follow me on Instagram: original.visions that is where I post the majority
of my art. You can also follow me on Twitter: TheRealBpark or Facebook: Braxton Parker.
I can also be reached through my email: originalvisions24@gmail.com
Tell us about any Internships you have done or are currently doing? What do you hope
to learn from your internship experience?
While in sport management I have had a lot of experience in my field. I currently
intern with Life Prep Academy as media lead making graphic designs to help promote
the school and build a brand on social media. I also help with coaching as well. I
also had a great opportunity working with the media team during the NCAA tournament
when it came to Intrust Arena.
What are your career goals?
I want to use my artistic talents to be in marketing and making graphic designs for
a marketing firm and using my creativity for promotional ideas. I would also like
to be involved in media relations as well.
What has been your favorite course that you have taken during your time in Sport Management?
My favorite class would have to be the Sport Tech class taught by Mike Ross because
I am self-taught with designing on computers but Ross really helped me sharpen my
skills and learn new things about software that will set me apart in the corporate
world.
If a friend asked about your time in the program, what would you tell them?
Being in two different programs while being at Wichita State, I can say that the
SMGT program really makes sure you set yourself up for success. My advisor always
communicates with me, teachers always strive to help you, and the job opportunities
are everywhere you just have to network and let people know who you are.
What has been your favorite part of the program?
- My favorite part of the program was definitely getting to experience sporting events
from shocker volleyball to going to an OKC Thunder game to even being on one of the
biggest stages for Wichita, the NCAA tournament.
What have you learned in this program that you plan on taking with you once you graduate?
The big thing I will take from the program is professionalism. I've learned so many
tips and have applied them in real world scenarios. If you pay attention to your teachers
(who currently have sporting positions) their tips only help you in the long run.
In five words or less, how would you describe the Sport Management program?
A program filled with opportunity.