MOAA, Learfield Align Next Month for College Sports Networking, Sales Training

PLANO, Texas – Twelve individuals from various sports organizations have been selected to attend the inaugural five-day Learfield Sports Minority Academy, which will be hosted May 19 – 23 in Dallas, and held in partnership with the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA).

Considered to be a first-of-its-kind, the Academy was designed to foster minority growth and development in the collegiate multimedia and sponsorship sector. The Minority Academy Selection Committee – comprised of two MOAA and two Learfield representatives, as well as one outside representative (NCAA) – closely reviewed 150 applicants in determining final selection of the following 12 individuals:
Walter Brock, University of California
Markeisha Everett, West Virginia University
Ashley Faust, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Janel James, AHL’s Chicago Wolves
Kalaya Long, Wayne State University
Milton Overton, University of Alabama
Bethany Powe, Bruno Event Team
Donnell Priest, IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions
Armando Ramirez, Orange Bowl Committee
Jerome Rodgers, formerly of Georgia Tech
Morris White, Murray State University
Helen Williams, Harvard UniversityMinority academy CORRECT Logo 2014

“It was encouraging to see the number of talented applicants wanting to participate, yet truly difficult to narrow down our list when there were exceptional qualities demonstrated by each applicant,” said MOAA Executive Director Stan Johnson. “We anticipate a great Academy and know these 12 candidates possess a strong desire to continue a bright career path in sales and sports marketing.”

Learfield Sports will host the Academy, which features two and a half days of classroom educational sessions dedicated to sales training, best practices and professional development. The final two days allow attendees to shadow sales staff at a Learfield Sports’ Division I collegiate property, providing for ultimate engagement in the actual day-to-day operations of Learfield Sports’ multimedia rights relationships.

 

“We’ve been diligent and purposeful about our specific intent and programming for this Academy and believe it will be beneficial for these individuals, who are already making significant career strides,” said Learfield’s Executive Vice President Roger Gardner.

“The goal of this Academy aligns with MOAA’s mission, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for increased opportunities for minority administrators at all levels of the athletics industry,” added Johnson.

The mission of MOAA is to provide opportunities to exchange ideas, advocate increased participation and administrative opportunities for minorities in athletics. MOAA also promotes generating a sports culture that supports the values necessary to teach and learn respect for self and others.

Learfield Sports manages the multimedia rights for nearly 100 collegiate properties and titles the prestigious Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup with award co-founders NACDA and USA Today. The company’s multimedia rights encompass numerous content distribution platforms to deliver the passion of college athletics across radio, television and digital networks to fans globally. To learn more about the company, its involvement in collegiate ticketing and concessions, or 40-year history, visit www.learfieldsports.com.