Alumni Spotlight: Jess Brown, MS Sport Administration

Jess Brown took an unconventional path into sports administration. While she didn’t seriously consider a career in athletics until her last year of college, that didn’t deter her from pursuing a future in the field. After graduating from UC’s Master’s in Sport Administration (SPAD), Jess landed her current role as Athletic Director at Preble-Shawnee High School in Camden, OH. 

SPAD Professor and Program Coordinator Dr. David Kelley recently caught up with Jess to learn more about her experience as an online student at UC. 

Jess’s love of sports began in high school, where she played both basketball and softball. Though she didn’t initially know what career path she wanted to follow, one thing was clear: she was dedicated to working hard on both teams. 

In 2020, she enrolled at Marietta College and earned her degree in marketing while continuing her collegiate softball career. The summer before her senior year, she realized that her passion for working in sports might lead somewhere after graduation. 

“Although I felt as if I had a late start to my future career,” Jess said, “I worked closely with the sport management department under the leadership of Associate Professor Rick Smith.” His mentorship proved greatly impactful as Jess began carving out a roadmap forward. 

Throughout her senior year and beyond, a piece of advice from Professor Smith stayed with Jess: the importance of “building a career outside of the locker room.” As a student-athlete, she felt equally supported in securing post-grad employment. Marietta’s sports management department provided Jess with various opportunities to dip her toes into the sports industry, such as experiential learning trips and career counseling. 

After finishing her bachelor's, Jess completed job shadows at the University of Michigan, the University of Pittsburgh, and at the Myrtle Beach Bowl. These experiences cemented her desire to become an athletic director.

When it came time to pursue graduate education, Jess chose UC’s online MS in Sport Administration and secured a graduate assistantship with the club sports department. She was pleased by how well UC’s curriculum aligned with the role of athletic director, which ensured a seamless transition into her professional career. 

She also found a role model in Dr. David Kelley, who supported her growth both inside and outside of the classroom. Along with teaching several of Jess’s graduate courses, Dr. Kelley helped her earn her Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) credential through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).   

“That credential was the first stepping stone in my journey to becoming an athletic director,” Jess said. 

As an online student, Jess had access to the same resources as on-campus students—including interview preparation. With Dr. Kelley’s help, she knew what common interview questions she’d be asked and the skills she’d need to demonstrate to potential employers. As a result, Jess obtained her first athletic director position before she'd even graduated with her Master’s.

Jess has been Director of Athletics at Preble-Shawnee High School since June 2025, where she oversees both high school and middle school athletics. Her main responsibilities include: 

• Scheduling athletic events and competitions

• Managing the athletic budget for uniforms, equipment, and other expenses 

• Verifying student-athlete eligibility and compliance standards 

• Building relationships with coaches, boosters, and school administrators 

• Hiring and supervising all coaches

In her first year as a recent college graduate, Jess continues to utilize what she learned in her master’s program. Having an understanding of topics like NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and booster support has been extremely valuable in her role.  

“The lessons in class provided me with knowledge on the topic and prepared me to navigate these new opportunities,” Jess said.

How did Jess balance earning a master’s degree online with her graduate assistantship duties? For one thing, the online format helped her keep her motivation and connection high.

“I kept my end goal in mind and remained determined in completing all coursework on time,” she answered. “The online format provided flexibility, allowing me to work at my own pace while still being able to collaborate with classmates on group assignments.” 

When asked what advice she’d offer to other SPAD students, Jess encouraged them to take every opportunity that comes their way.

“You never know where these experiences might lead. For me, taking advantage of these opportunities allowed me to secure my dream job even before graduation.” 

Jess’s story is just one example of how purpose and drive can propel online students toward their dream career. We are proud of Jess's success and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next. 

Think a career in sports administration may be for you? Whether you’ve played sports for decades or are considering a career change, UC’s online Master’s in Sport Administration can help you get started.  

Take the first step by contacting your Enrollment Services Advisor today.