Students taking sport management courses in Lander University’s College of Business and Technology took a trip to Bon Secours Wellness Arena to work behind the scenes with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Photo submitted by David Zinn
Though the Greenville Swamp Rabbits fell to the Atlanta Gladiators in a final score of 2-3 on Wednesday, Feb. 11, the real winners inside Bon Secours Wellness Arena were the sport management students of Lander University, who had the chance to work closely with Swamp Rabbits staff.
“Working behind the scenes gives our students a real understanding of how many moving parts it takes to create a seamless game-day experience for fans,” said Dr. David Zinn, assistant professor of sport management at Lander. “When they’re in the middle of it—communicating with staff, solving problems in real time, and seeing how their work shapes the fan experience—that’s when the lessons truly stick.”
Zinn is not alone in his efforts to provide students with exposure to their future career fields. Professors at Lander University care deeply about teaching students the fundamentals of their various subjects. Yet, more importantly, faculty emphasize the practical application of the skills they teach, and make sure that Lander graduates are equipped with proper training for the workforce.
Lander student Sianna Amos, left, gets a hug from Stompers, the official mascot of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, while working behind the scenes. Photo submitted by David Zinn
This industry immersion experience is just the latest offered by Lander’s College of Business and Technology. Sport management students have had opportunities to work at other college and professional sporting events, including recent trips to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, and the College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami. Last semester, media students traveled to a popular music venue, the Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina, for a live broadcast of a performance by alternative rock band They Might Be Giants.
“Hands-on skills help graduates succeed,” said Dr. Lloyd Willis, dean of the College of Business and Technology. “The principles we teach our students in the classroom aren’t meant to stay in the classroom. We want them to graduate ready to put those lessons to use in the real world. These experiences help them do just that.”
Learn more about the degree programs offered by Lander University’s College of Business and Technology, by visiting www.lander.edu/business.