On May 1, 2006, 14 exemplary and diverse Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Sport Management practitioners appeared as panelists at Virginia State University's 1st Annual HPERD-Sport Management Leadership Symposium. In addition, Dr. Michael Jackson, Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in Sport and Recreation Administration at Temple University, served as the dynamic guest speaker for the event's culminating luncheon. A number of additional VSU faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, students, and other supporters played key roles in this affair as well.
This symposium was co-sponsored by the Virginia State University Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (HPERD), which is chaired by Dr. Andrew Kanu, and VSU Career Services unit, which is headed by Ms. Lisa Townes, Director. Staged for undergraduate and graduate students, it was the brainchild of HPERD associate professor, Dr. Leon Wright Bey, who served as the Event Coordinator and Co-Chair of the Planning Committee for this inaugural occasion. Other members of the HPERD faculty who served on this committee were Ms. Leslie Crocker, an adjunct professor, and Dr. Linda Person, who is an associate professor. Ms. Townes served as the other Co-Chair.
The Planning Committee also consisted of 12 diligent members of the undergraduate Executive Board of the HPERD/Sport Management Majors Club. Members of this group, whose faculty advisor is Bey, gained immeasurable leadership experience by assisting with the planning, organization, execution, and evaluation of this event.
Two major purposes of the symposium were to stimulate students' interest in VAHPERD and other professional associations and to teach them how to comport themselves at professional conferences. With these aims in mind, the format replicated one that is found at various professional forums. For example, students were: required to engage in a formal registration process; follow their assigned group's printed program that was outlined in either orange or blue folders; adhere to a strict (business attire only) dress code; attend the luncheon; and complete evaluation forms for each panel discussion.
Moreover, this symposium provided a formal platform to announce the establishment of a new partnership between the HPERD Department and Career Services unit, and unique opportunities for all students to network and collaborate with a wide variety of leaders in HPERD--Sport Management professions. It also: introduced students to an array of contemporary career options; presented key internship and graduate school possibilities; expanded their perspectives on relevant entrepreneurial opportunities; augmented their knowledge base; and inspired them to reach high heights by establishing a confident disposition and progressive professional development goals.
Assessment results indicated that this conference enhanced the instructional delivery process by creating opportunities for students to link previously learned theoretical concepts to authentic experiences shared by each presenter. The pedagogical, networking, and other benefits derived from this event have already prompted the need for its successor. Plans for the 2nd Annual HPERD/Sport Management Leadership Symposium, which is projected to be held during the 2006-2007 year, are already underway.
By Leon Wright Bey, and Leslie Crocker Adjunct Professor
