The Sport Manager Banner

Kansas Sport Summit Banner

WSU Sport Management Hosts the 

Kansas Sport Summit

On April 17, 2025, Wichita State University's Department of Sport & Leadership Studies hosted the Kansas Sport Summit — a transformative day of discussion, networking, and career development in the world of sports.

Kansas Sport Summit 2025: A Full Day of Connection, Learning, and Growth
 
The Kansas Sport Summit 2025 was held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Rhatigan Student Center, 3rd Floor at Wichita State University. Hosted by the Department of Sport & Leadership Studies, the summit brought together students, professionals, and academics in sport management and related fields for a dynamic day focused on bridging the gap between theory and practice.
The day began with opening remarks from Dr. Mark Vermillion, Director of Sport & Leadership Studies, followed by remarks from Dr. Clay Stoldt, Ed.D., Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Affairs, College of Applied Studies. Their addresses welcomed attendees and set the tone for a day filled with dialogue, insight, and opportunity.
The first session of the day was a roundtable discussion on “Women Leaders Shaping Success in the Sport Industry”. Following that, participants attended morning breakout sessions covering:
  • Navigating Trends and Challenges in Intercollegiate Athletics 
  • The Future of Sports Media and Digital Content Creation 
  • Behind the Scene: Event and Facility Management in Sports
The summit continued with a luncheon and keynote address by Brian Davison, Founder & CEO of Sports Business Ventures, who shared insights from his career, including leadership roles at Nike and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Afternoon breakout sessions included:
  • Coaching Across Generations: Strategies for Success
  • Careers in Sports Heritage, Hall of Fame, and Museums 
  • The Rise of Esports: Shaping the Future of Entertainment
The summit concluded with a Career Fair and Ignite Interview in Beggs West, where students had the opportunity to network with professionals, explore career paths, and share their resumes. The session emphasized the importance of preparation, confidence, and follow-up communication, as highlighted in the summit’s career readiness tips.
The Kansas Sport Summit 2025 provided attendees with a rich blend of interactive discussions, professional insights, and networking opportunities—contributing to the academic and career development of all who participated.
 
Mark Vermillion

Mark Vermillion, Opening Statements
Kansas Sport Summit 2025

WSU Students

WSU Students: Grace Toombs, Nikko Vazquez, Rashad West, Luke Zuberbuehler and Teresa Vu.

Brian Davison, Keynote Speaker

Brian Davison, Keynote Speaker
Founder & CEO, Sports Business Ventures

Attendees from McPherson College
Attendees, McPherson College
Guest Speakers-Kansas Sport Summit

Matt Jacobs, Butler Community College, Dave Holtzman, Kansas City Royals
and Tami Cutler, WSU Athletics

Coaching Session

Eva Castiglioni, Martin Shetlar, and Uyen Tran
Coaching Across Generations: Strategies for Success

Kansas Sport Summit Career Fair & Networking Event

The summit concluded with a Career Fair and Ignite Interview in Beggs West, where students had the opportunity to network with professionals, explore career paths, and share their resumes. The session emphasized the importance of preparation, confidence, and follow-up communication, as highlighted in the summit’s career readiness tips. The Kansas Sport Summit 2025 provided attendees with a rich blend of interactive discussions, professional insights, and networking opportunities—contributing to the academic and career development of all who participated.
Career Fair
Shocker Career Accelerator
Career Fair-Connor Phelps
Connor Phelps, WSU Athletics
Kansas Sport Summit Career Fair

KSS Career Fair, WSU Athletics

 

Mike Ross

Mike Ross, Associate Dean
College of Applied Studies

Dr. Mike Ross Named Associate Dean for Faculty & Staff Affairs in the College of Applied Studies

The College of Applied Studies (CAS) at Wichita State University is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Mike Ross as the new Associate Dean for Faculty & Staff Affairs. Dr. Ross will assume his new role on June 23, 2025, following a competitive search process.

“Dr. Ross has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student-centered and mission-driven leadership throughout his 25-year tenure with the WSU-CAS community. His extensive experience and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly enhance our college’s efforts to advance education and community engagement,” said Dr. Jennifer Friend, Dean of the College of Applied Studies.

 Read more

Tyler Winn
Set to graduate with a degree in sport management and a minor in communication, Tyler is ready to begin his next chapter with Athletes Unlimited Softball League as a grassroots marketing professional.

 

Meet a Shocker: Tyler Winn

By WSU Strategic Communications

Tyler Winn’s journey at Wichita State University has been shaped by perseverance and applied learning. After transferring from a community college to WSU in 2023, he quickly connected with faculty and gained valuable internships, including with the Wichita Thunder and NCAA March Madness.

Read more