MOAA, Learfield Align Next Month for College Sports Networking, Sales Training
PLANO, Texas – Twelve individuals from various organizations have been selected to attend the second annual five-day Learfield Sports Minority Academy, which will be hosted May 11-15 in Dallas, and held in partnership with the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA).
Considered to be a one-of-a-kind event, 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 applicants in determining final selection of the following 12 individuals:
- Julio Alcaraz, USC Sport Properties
- Daniel Alexandre, Big Ten Network
- Patrick Hairston, Delaware State University
- Jasmine Hightower, Formerly of Vance-Granville Community College
- Stacie Johnson, Drexel University
- Duane Lewis, Alabama State University
- Marcus Pauda, University of Miami
- Jose Rios, Marcus & Millichap
- Ian Sadler, University of Houston
- Temeka Samuels, University of North Texas
- Phillip Walters, Rutgers University
- Jamaal Omari Walton, University of Alabama
“We were excited to see a number of talented applicants wanting to participate in year two of this initiative. It was very hard to make the selection based off the amount of very qualified applicants” said MOAA Executive Director Stan Johnson. “We anticipate a great Academy and hope these 12 individuals selected will foster minority growth and development in the collegiate multimedia and sponsorship sector.”
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.
“Last year’s inaugural Minority Academy was a tremendous success and the impressive list of this year’s attendees gives us high expectations for another fantastic experience. It’s our distinct pleasure to host this important learning experience,” said Learfield’s Chief Culture and Communications Officer 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.
About Learfield Sports: 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, licensing and trademark consulting, digital platform expertise, venue and technology systems and concessions visit www.learfieldsports.com.
About MOAA: MOAA promotes equitable employment opportunities for minorities in the athletics industry through the exchange of ideas, the creation of networking opportunities and the advocation of an increase in employment for minorities in athletics administration positions at all levels of the sports industry. The Association also promotes cultivating a sports environment that supports the values necessary to accept aspiring professionals from all walks of life. For more information on MOAA, please visit www.moaaweb.com. MOAA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 50th year. For more information on NACDA and the 14 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
