RSM ALUMNI

They. Went. All. The. Way!

Nick Murphy

Year of Graduation: 2016   
Current City and State: Columbus, OH
Current Employer: Ohio State Football
Describe CCU in three words: Fun, Special, Opportunistic
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? The school’s (class) size, the RSM program, DI Athletics Programs
What is your favorite memory during your time in RSM? The Sand Volleyball Tournament our class put on. Got to know my classmates really well while organizing it together
Were you in any sports, clubs, or groups? CCU Football, RSMA
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? Being sought after by some of the top football programs in the country and having opportunities to interview for NFL positions.
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like? I coordinate recruiting communication to PSA’s, assist with all on-campus recruiting functions. I get to evaluate film and oversee the walk-on program
How did your CCU RSM education contribute to your success? Every class I took in the RSM program relates to or has related to everything I’ve done in my professional career. Facilities, morals and ethics, event planning.
What advice do you have for current RSM students? Be available and go and try a lot of different things in the industry. Get as much hands on exp as possible before you graduate so you have an idea of what part of the industry really excites you because there’s a lot out here but everything isn’t for everybody so you have to really develop your identity and your interests.
What was your favorite RSM class, assignment, professor? I really enjoyed the athletics director exercise Dr. Thorne gave us in sports finance. Had to balance funds but depending on what you did it affected an aspect of each individual team in a certain way. Really cool way to show how all these things are connected.

Tom Cocke

Year of Graduation: 2013 & 2018
Current City and State: Charlottesville, VA
Current Employer: University of Virginia
Describe CCU in three words: Hospitable, Vibrant, Supportive
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? Since I was a child, my family vacationed in North Myrtle Beach for two weeks every summer. I toured the university during my junior year of high school.  I was first interested in the MBA and PGM programs but was quickly drawn to the RSM program during my first year at CCU.
What is your favorite memory during your time in RSM? As students in the RSM program we helped coordinate and operate a Halloween event for community members in the City of Conway, SC. The event sparked my still-active enjoyment for running special events.
Were you in any sports, clubs, or groups? I was involved in Student Government Association, Residents Life as a Resident Assistant, and worked for CCU Campus Recreation as an Intramural Sports student Official, Supervisor, Coordinator, and Graduate Assistant. I also officiated multiple high school sports for the local high school official’s association.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? One of my favorite opportunities of my career so far was when I was employed as an Afloat Recreation Specialist, better known as a “Fun Boss”. The job entailed working as a civilian aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department. I was responsible for providing recreational programs and special events for the 5,000 service members on board during port visits and while underway at sea. I lived on-board, got to travel, and experience all aspects of the U.S. Navy.
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like? Currently, I am the Director of Recreation Programs for the IM-Rec Sports Department at the University of Virginia. I oversee a variety of recreational programs that are offered to students, faculty, staff, youth, and community members in the Charlottesville area. A typical day involves administering an instructional tennis program with over 300 weekly participants, an instructional swim program with over 100 participants, an annual youth camp program with over 400 participants, multiple large-scale annual special events, hiring and training staff to help operate these programs, and no day is ever the same.
How did your CCU RSM education contribute to your success? As a two-time graduate of the RSM program I can confidently say that the program equipped and prepared me with practical knowledge that has directly contributed to my success. I have implemented much of the experience and knowledge that I gained inside the classroom throughout my career in the real world.
What advice do you have for current RSM students? The knowledge you will gain inside the classroom is vital to being successful after graduation. It is also very important that you acquire work experience as early as you can to help fine-tune your application of the knowledge you are gaining.
What was your favorite RSM class, assignment, professor? One of my most memorable classes was RSM 490 – Program and Event Planning taught by Dr. Rockey. The course focused heavily on the creation, development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of special events and programs. The class provided the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience by partnering with local entities to operate multiple events.

Ashley Smith

Year of Graduation: 1999
Current City and State: Conway SC
Current Employer: City of Conway
Describe CCU in three words: Impossible to do.
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? Affordability and location
What is your favorite memory during your time in RSM? Going on the trip to Greenville for the SC Special Olympics Championships.
Were you in any sports, clubs, or groups? I was a member of SCRPA
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? Coming back to my home town and becoming the Director of Parks and Recreation
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like? I’m the Director of a 60.000 sq ft building with 2 courts, pool, cardio equipment, free weights and fitness classes. Also, we have a programs, sports and parks department. Our budget for the 22/23 year is 2.9 million dollars.
How did your CCU RSM education contribute to your success? It gave me confidence to chase my dreams
What advice do you have for current RSM students? Work hard and listen to your professors!! I would have been a Director 20 years earlier if I would have listened more and talked less.
What was your favorite RSM class, assignment, professor? Leadership class was the best. We put on the first triathlon at CCU. Dr. Alan Case was like a father to me. He had patience and never gave up on me.

Samantha "Sam" Fischer

Year of Graduation: 2014
Current City and State: Nashville, TN
Current Employer: Tennessee Titans
Describe CCU in three words: welcoming, hands on, diverse
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? As a transfer it was important to me to find a sport management program that was hands on and encouraged experience-based learning, this is why I chose Coastal Carolina University.
What is your favorite memory during your time in RSM? I don’t know if I have a singular moment I can pinpoint, but to this day I remember always feeling supported by RSM professors. I never had to question that one of my professors would take extra time to meet with me, offer career guidance, or review an assignment in advance.
Were you in any sports, clubs, or groups? RSMA!
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? This is a hard one to answer, I feel grateful to have had so many career highs. Viral Tweets, having my work on ESPN and The Jimmy Kimmel Show, getting to have a hand in massive events like CMA Festival and the NHL Stadium Series game, there have been some pretty notable moments in the last 10 years.
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like? I am currently the Stadium Experience Manager for the Tennessee Titans! I work to create an amazing fan experience for all guests of Nissan Stadium whether it be Tennessee Titans games or one of our major events like concerts, CMA Festival, Music City Grand Prix, and NHL Stadium Series to name a few. A fan’s experience is impacted from the time they purchase a ticket to the time they get home from an event, and in some cases, even in the days after. I am constantly evaluating our processes and implementing new ones to improve the experience at Nissan Stadium.
How did your CCU RSM education contribute to your success? I have mentioned this a few times, but I truly believe that CCU’s RSM department encouraging us to gain as many experiences as possible and to get our hands dirty early on contributed to my success. I was able to walk away from college with applicable experience and a portfolio to back it up.
What advice do you have for current RSM students? Take advantage of every opportunity to learn. Internships, volunteer opportunities, shadowing industry professionals, etc., no experience is too small, and you never know who you will meet. Make outreach early! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or look someone up on a team website in a role you are interested in and send a cold email- ask to setup a call, do your research, and come prepared with questions.
What was your favorite RSM class, assignment, professor? My favorite RSM class was Facilities! It was the experience that made me a complete and utter facilities nerd. Growing up in the NYC area, I went to a lot of Yankees games, and I always wondered how everything around me worked- the lights, sound, videoboard, sprinklers, etc. What would happen if the power went out? Or the water stopped working?  Having the ability to go behind the scenes and seeing the processes that exist to make a little league baseball complex work vs a minor league baseball stadium was invaluable. I will say though, I have come to appreciate every class, assignment, and professor I had the pleasure of learning from. Being in the business 10 years now, I’ve come across many things that make me nod back to my days at CCU.

Lexi Liscio

Degree Course: Bachelor of Science – RSM and Master of Science – Sport Management
Year of Graduation: August of ’18 and December of ‘19
Current City and State: Conway, SC
Current Employer: Chanticleer Athletic Foundation
Describe CCU in three words: Home
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? I decided that Coastal was the place for me as soon as I walked on campus when you get the big southern school look with a tight knit family feel. My first time on campus was actually announcing a baseball game at Springs Brooks Stadium for a spring internship and once I was in that press box, I knew I made the right decisions of becoming a Chanticleer in the reaction and sport management field that upcoming fall.
What is your favorite memory of CCU? The endless nights in the library with Mickey Beach and Anaiah Boyer and we joked and pushed each other through grad school.
Were you in any sports, clubs, or groups?   In undergrad I was a manager for the Coastal Softball Team and a part of RSMA. During grad school I was a student ambassador for the CAF for one semester which turned into a GA spot the next semester.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? I am very lucky to have been given the opportunity to stay at CCU for my career so there have been a few historical moments for Coastal Athletics that have been very exciting and rewarding to be a part of.  I was fortunate enough to be on the field for college game day and be at the game when Coastal beat BYU and during that same year be able to travel to the very first Bowl Game that Coastal Football played in. Being able to travel to post season events with our sports teams and coastal supporters. Being able to celebrate every athletic year with putting on The Chanticleer Gala, which is the biggest fundraiser for Coastal Athletics.
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like? My role is the Director of Donor Relations and Development Operations for The Chanticleer Athletic Foundation. In athletics there is no typical day but I oversee the operations of the premium seating areas for home Football, Basketball and Baseball games. Working on marketing materials for the CAF such as donor gifts, CAF member items, and Fundraising campaigns. As well as plan and prepare for the annual Chanticleer Gala. 
How did your CCU education contribute to your success? My CCU education contributes to my success by allowing me as a non-traditional student to take the knowledge that I had gained from working in the recreation and sport field prior to coming to Coastal and really being able to apply it in the classroom. This experience is what drove me to stay and obtain my master’s degree and be able to use it in my career now from the event planning classes to our marketing and finance class. I would not be able to do what I do today and enjoy my job if it was not for my time and education from Coastal.
What advice do you have for current CCU students? My first words of advice are… get to know and build a relationship with the RSM Professors! Each and every one of them are here to help you and want you to succeed and they are really cool people! My second piece of advice would be don’t be afraid to take a chance on an unknown opportunity, if an opportunity in our field presents itself and piques your interest even in the slightest take it! It may turn into the best internship experience or a dream job.  
What was your favorite class, assignment or professor? My favorite class was the event planning class where we did the Nacho Average Mini-Golf tournament and I enjoyed each and every one of my professors! Very fortunate that my job allows me to still interact with all of them on a daily basis!

Amanda Player Wofford

Year of Graduation: 2005
Current City and State: Myrtle Beach, SC
Current Employer: City of North Myrtle Beach and Coastal Carolina University
Describe CCU in three words: memorable, rewarding, community
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? I chose CCU because of the closeness to the beach and being fairly close to home. I also wanted a small college and had a strong interest in their sports.
What is your favorite memory during your time in RSM? My favorite memory is being a part of the softball team. I was able to be a student coach during my senior year and I am very grateful that Coach Dannelly gave me that opportunity. 
Were you in any sports, clubs, or groups? I was a student coach for the softball team in 2005 and I was in the HPERD club.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? The most rewarding experience has been being able to try different fields of work until I found something that I knew I could do for the rest of my life. I have been blessed to have amazing opportunities and connections that have helped me build my career. 
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like? Currently, I am the Athletic and Sports Tourism Director for the City of North Myrtle Beach.  In short, I oversee youth sports, adult sports, and sports tourism events that come to our city.  That includes organizing leagues, practices, games, as well as securing contracts and event owners for tournaments.  I am also currently an adjunct professor for the RSM program and have been with the department since 2016.  I have spent a year as a lecturer as well and love teaching what was taught to me!
How did your CCU RSM education contribute to your success? My education played a critical part of my success.  I have used tools from many classes in my every day work place as well as being in the classroom with our current RSM students.  My education gave me connections as well that has helped advance my career.
What advice do you have for current RSM students? My advice would be do not settle and take it all in.  When given opportunities for volunteer hours, practicums, internships, do not take the easy road. Put yourself out there and try career paths that you didn’t think you would take.  Also, you should take the time to gain knowledge from those in the field, and take lots of notes.
What was your favorite RSM class, assignment, professor? My favorite RSM class was the event planning class and the assignment for that class.  We were able to plan an overnight event at the CCU track with Conway Parks and Recreation.  My favorite professor was and still is Dr. Rockey.  He cares for his student’s success, and has kept in contact with me until this day.  He has played an integral part in my career including asking me to come back to teach. 

Benjamin "Ben" Cousins

Year of Graduation: 2015  
Current City and State: DeLand, Florida
Current Employer: Stetson University
Describe CCU in three words: Truth, Integrity, and Acceptance
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? Coastal Carolina University offered the opportunity to earn a second Bachelor’s degree. That second degree was the gateway to beginning my career in athletics. Without that unique opportunity, I would not be where I am today.
What is your favorite memory during your time in RSM? The interactions and relationship building with my classmates. I still talk to several individuals that I was in the RSM program with. Some of those relationships will be lifelong.
Were you in any sports, clubs, or groups? Yes, Recreation and Sport Management Alliance. Student Government. Scuba Club.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? Earning employee of the year at University of North Florida in 2018, receiving my Master’s degree from University of North Florida in 2019, and being promoted to Associate AD of Facilities, Events and Operation at Stetson University.
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like?

• Associate AD of Facilities, Events and Operations (Stetson University)
• Duties:
• Planning and Operating of all home events for Athletic Department
• Scheduling of maintenance for all athletic facilities.
• Manager of Capital Projects
• Member of Safer Stetson Task Force for University
• Scheduling of practice times for multiple use facilities
• Building Coordinator for all athletic facilities
• ASUN Championship Director
• Sport Supervisor for Men’s and Women’s Tennis programs
• Member of Senior Staff in Athletic Department
• Point of Contact for Facility Rentals
• Typical day is managing of all logistical aspects of the facilities, events and operations department for the entire athletic department. Logistics include, but not limited to scheduling

How did your CCU RSM education contribute to your success? The education I received put me in a position to be successful. Having the chance to gain hands-on experience through volunteer programs, practicums, organizing/operating the RSM Golf Scramble, and internships are a vital part of being in the RSM program. Those experiences prepared my for the career world and what I would be doing at work on a day-to-day basis.
What advice do you have for current RSM students? Get involved in every opportunity you can while in the RSM program. Volunteer for programs or take an internship that will give you an opportunity to explore all areas of athletics (ex: Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game Day Staff). This internship allowed for us to work in 6 different areas: Marketing, Sales, Ticketing, Sponsorship, Pro Shop, and On-Field Promotions. The more experience you can get in all areas, the more versatile you become. Other advice: build relationships with people, hold yourself and others accountable, work on being a great communicator (over communicate), go above and beyond every day to help the company/athletic department/professional team be successful, and be nice.
What was your favorite RSM class, assignment, professor? Favorite RSM Class: Internship in RSM and Leadership in RSM; Favorite Assignment: RSM Golf Scramble; Favorite Professor: Dr. Rockey and Dr. McGlone (I couldn’t pick just one of them because they were very influential pieces for me in the RSM program)

Bryann (Hoffman) Lentz

Year of Graduation: 2013
Current City and State: Hampden, Maine
Current Employer: Town of Hampden Recreation Department
Describe CCU in three words: experiential, engaging, loving 
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? I chose Coastal Carolina University because it aligned with goals and interests. I was a transfer student from Penn State University. I transferred to CCU after my freshman year at Penn State. I was a business major at Penn State but knew there was something more for me. My parents had a vacation home in Surfside Beach South Carolina and I had heard of CCU. During my second semester at Penn State I started researching majors at CCU. While looking at majors I saw Recreation and Sport Management and thought to myself wow if that's not me I do not know what is. At orientation I remember meeting Dr. Rockey. I knew I was in the right place. He was so caring right off the bat and I loved his energy. The first day I sat in my first RSM class I knew I was in the right place
What is your favorite memory during your time in RSM? I vividly remember all my classes and how interactive and hands on they were. Every professor made our courses so engaging and tied the lessons into real life experiences. During my time as a RSM student I vividly remember how kind and helpful all the instructors were.  They really did their best to set each student up for success. I loved being a member of the RSM community and embodied the culture and opportunity I was given.
Were you in any sports, clubs, or groups? Yes, I started the first women's club softball team at CCU with a woman named Michelle and was also part of the CCU wakeboarding club.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? The most rewarding part of my career has been working with children and seeing them participate in recreational activities. Every job in this field has given me the opportunity to witness children at play. I love how organic kids are! I love that I am in a career where I can positively impact children's lives and give them beneficial tools to help guide them throughout their lives. It is truly a gift and honor to witness children at play in all types of environments. I would say the most exciting part of my career this far is the many opportunities I have had traveling for different jobs/positions. After graduating with my RSM degree I have had the opportunity to work in the following states; California, Florida, Arizona, and currently Maine.
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like? Currently, I am the Recreation Director for the Town of Hampden Maine. There is no typical day in the recreation world. Every day is different and that is one of the things I love most about working in this field. My responsibilities range from administrative duties, summer camp, before and after school programs, recreational programs for all ages, sport leagues and tournaments, facility maintenance, park maintenance, overseeing a department of recreational staff, town council meetings, budget and financial management, and etc.
How did your CCU RSM education contribute to your success? I have so much gratitude for the RSM education system and department. I would not be the woman I am today without the education I have received from the RSM professors at CCU. There are times when I am in situations and I use my education to problem solve. I truly feel prepared in most situations because of the knowledge and experience I have received from the RSM program. The RSM curriculum truly prepares you for the reality of working in the recreation field.
What advice do you have for current RSM students? My advice to all RSM students would be to take every class and opportunity seriously. Everything I learned in the RSM classes is relevant to what I do each and every day. Take advantage of the volunteer opportunities and really soak up the experiential learning aspect of the program. I will never forget my program event planning class working with North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation to execute the Howl “O” Scream event. Again, take advantage of these learning opportunities and make the most out of your experience. It will benefit you in the future!
What was your favorite RSM class, assignment, professor? This is an easy one. My favorite professors were Dr. Rockey, Dr. Banks (Diaz), and Alicia Day. All three of these professors motivated me and believed in me. They are inspirational role models and I still look up to them today. My goal throughout my career is to share their love, kindness, and knowledge to all people I interact with or teach. I had a few favorite classes and assignments: Program and Event Planning (Favorite Assignment: Howl “O” Scream event planning), Outdoor Leadership (Favorite Assignment: Trip Planning, Outdoor Adventure Kayaking Trip), Research and Evaluation, and Leadership.

Ryan Meyer

Degree Course: Master of Science – Sport Management
Year of Graduation: 2018
Current City and State: Conway, SC
Current Employer: Coastal Carolina University – Chanticleer Athletic Foundation
Why did you choose Coastal Carolina University? – The quality of the Sport Management program, how friendly everyone on campus is and the opportunity to live near the beach.
What is your favorite memory of CCU? – Too many to single out just one, but the friendships and connections made would probably be mine.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moments of your career so far? – Being able to provide our student-athletes with the best possible experience on and off the field. As a former student-athlete, creating those memories for current student-athletes is the most rewarding.
What is your current role and responsibilities, what does your typical day look like? – My main responsibilities are overseeing our Impact Fund (annual fund), the sales of our premium seating areas and major gifts to the foundation.
How did your CCU education contribute to your success? – My education at CCU helped contribute to my success by allowing me to build connections outside of the classroom, while truly mastering my field of study in the classroom.
What advice do you have for current CCU students? – Get outside of your comfort zone and be involved within the community and campus. You never know you may connect with. It is the best way to grow professionally and personally. Networking in college is crucial when applying for jobs in a competitive field like Sport Management.

Theresa Power

Theresa Power is the Recreation and Sport Management Department's 2016 Distinguished Alumnus. Theresa Power is a 2009 Graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sports Management. She states she has continued to use the knowledge, skills, and school pride that she learned at Coastal into her career to help better herself as a person and employee as well as to give back to students looking at attending Coastal and those currently enrolled there.

Theresa Power - In her own words

My career path truly started during the final semester of my senior year at Coastal with 5 of my fellow classmates working with Dr. Colleen McGlone and Dr. Don Rockey to create the Baseball and Softball Operations internship program. We developed a business plan and presented it to various heads in the school, including Dr. DeCenzo and were approved for a spring internship plan where I oversaw the other 4 school mates to help drive marketing, theme nights and ticket sales for the Baseball and Softball programs at Coastal. I scheduled a rotation of my peers to work on the field, cleaning up the surrounding area, working concessions, media and much more. We put on the first festival around Coastal baseball’s opening day bringing in food and business vendors from the community, having games and giveaways and speeches from the coaching staff and players to the fans. This was the springboard to drive my passion for a career in sports and help me move into my next phase.

I have continued my passion for RSM and used it in my career for the past 7 years. I have been blessed with a forward moving career path that started with the NY Jets in 2009 where I was an inside sales representative originally hired on a temporary, 6 month basis to open their new stadium and help introduce a new product, the Personal Seat License, to the New York market. Within the first 3 months I was promoted twice due to my sales numbers, leadership and work ethic and remained with the organization as an account executive for 2 seasons.  When the program ended I was recommended to work with the then New Jersey Nets who were moving from Newark New Jersey into Brooklyn and opening the Barclays Center. I was in the top 3-5 sales people during my 2 years with Nets selling All Access Pass premium seating and helping move a dedicated fan base who had suffered many tough years from New Jersey to Brooklyn. Opening the building was one of the proudest moments in my career to see all the hard work come to fruition with an arena full of people. There is no better energy out there. Barclays Center/Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment acquired the business rights to the New York Islanders in 2013 and would being the process of moving yet another fan base into a new arena with a team that had not brought home a championship since 1983.  I was promoted to Manager of Inside Sales for the New York Islanders and set out to create and develop their program from the group up. By December I was given the group sales department and spent the next two years overseeing 2 departments and setting them up to move the fan base from Nassau County into Brooklyn. Last year my group sales team set the record for highest group sales revenue for the Islanders. In September of 2015, I officially was a part of a 3rd successful move of a team to a new arena and in December I was promoted to Director, Group Sales for the New York Islanders. In sum, I have successfully been a part of moving 3 teams, all of whom were coming off losing seasons, into new arenas who simultaneously were playoff teams that year.  

My leadership, hard work and sales skills have helped move my career in this incredible direction and help shape the lives of the many employees I have had the privilege to hire, train, and help grow as sales people. In addition to my career I have taken pride in helping others get into the sports business world. I have participated in multiple Teamwork Online networking events doing panels and giving advice to students and adults looking to break into a sports career. I worked with the Manhattan Sports Business Academy during the summer of 2013 as a mentor to help implement a variety of hands-on learning experiences, weekly speaker series, one-on-one development sessions and more to college Junior and seniors interested in a career in sports. I have also remained in touch with my professors from Coastal and have assisted in surveys, mock interviews and more for Coastal students as part of their curriculum. These career development events and academies are important to me to be able to give others similar and better opportunities than I had early on in determining what career path I wanted to follow.

I am always grateful for my time at Coastal Carolina University and for the incredible professors who helped guide my path and for that I do my best to give back whenever possible. While still at Coastal I would offer tours to anyone who reached out interested in attending. I would go over all of the incredible programs and opportunities that are granted to students and give the raw information that those prospective students would not normally be able to hear on school guided tours. I continue to speak to prospective Coastal students from my hometown and network to answer any questions they have and encourage them to attend the great university that is Coastal. I continue to stay passionate for Coastal sports, follow the university on social media, and visit whenever I can get some time away from the north east.  Teal Tuesdays are something I love to represent no matter where I am and explain to people who inquire why there is so much Teal in my wardrobe. It helps bring me back to the incredible days at Coastal Carolina University.

I look forward continuing to honor the name of Coastal Carolina University in the future.

Jessica Jennings

 Jessica Jennings is the Recreation and Sport Management Department 2016 Young Alumnus.

Jessica Jennings - In Her Own Words

My name is Jessica Jennings, I graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2013 with a degree in Recreation and Sport Management, minoring in Business Administration. 

It doesn’t seem like I have been away from CCU for a long enough time to deserve this honor. Soon after graduation and my internship with Billboard Magazine, I obtained a career at Pandora Radio in New York City as an Event Coordinator in the Music Makers Group. The event team at Pandora started as two people, my boss who poached me from Billboard and myself. The past two and a half years we have built this team to a total of nine people and still execute between 80-100 events a year. A typical event consists of working with multiple sponsors, multiple artists, and anywhere between hosting 300 – 5,000 people.

Recently we executed our largest event of the year in Austin, TX along with SXSW. Over a four day period we staged 42 acts in the same venue on one stage, including A list performers such as G Eazy, Fall out Boy, Young Thug, Wynonna & The Big Noise, Troye Sivan, and more! SXSW required months (almost a year) of preparation and military precision to cycle the amount of acts we did through one venue.  This was my 3nd year planning and working there.

In March of 2015, I was promoted to Event Manager with an increase in responsibilities. While the music industry tends to favor young people due to the market demographics, it sometimes feels strange at the age of 26 to plan and be in charge of such large complex music events attended by thousands of people, but I absolutely love it! Pandora Radio is a unique opportunity because it is a leader in the emerging market of streaming music. There are many forces at work constantly reshaping the music industry and Pandora Radio is continuously evolving to maintain our industry lead and expand worldwide. I could not imagine a better opportunity.

I take immense pride in being a graduate from Coastal Carolina University. The amount of experiential activities the Rec and Sport Management department had us do really put into perspective on what type of career path I wanted to move forward with. Sports and music are very synonymous, they are both the entertainment business and I still hope to one day go back into the sport world. From CCU I still live with my roommates from 4 years of college. I keep in constant touch with about 40 other CCU alumni and believe that the experiences and friendships I acquired during my years at Coastal were critical to my current success. Coastal brought me so many memories and ample experience to guide my way through the real world.

It is almost a full circle to be considered for this as I was a part of the FIRST Inaugural Golf Tournament where we pulled off such an amazing day with multiple sponsors and a successful tournament, so proud to hear the event is still going on strong!