News Releases

USM’s School of Business Announces New Sport Management Concentration, Appoints New Associate Professor

October 9, 2007

The USM School of Business is now offering a bachelor of science degree in business administration with a concentration in sport management. Sport management is an estimated $221 billion industry, is growing nationally and internationally, and provides a growing number of career opportunities for graduates. 

The USM sport management program combines comprehensive business skills with an in-depth understanding of the sport industry, and includes such classes as introduction to sport management, sport marketing, sport law, sport finance and accounting, as well as a chance to explore careers and develop professional skills through a wide range of internship opportunities.

As well as introducing a new concentration, the School of Business is announcing the appointment of a new associate professor of sport management. Joanne Williams graduated with honors from West London Institute of Higher Education with a bachelor’s in education, and graduated with a M.A. in education and a Ph. D. in sport management from Springfield College.

Williams has an extensive professional background, which includes serving as tournament director of the McCall’s LPGA Classic (Stratton, V.T.), and as adjunct professor of sport marketing at Springfield College and the University of Connecticut. She served as a consultant with the United States Field Hockey Association and Executive Sports International. Most recently, Williams was the associate dean of academic initiatives and professor of sport management, as well as the program chair, at Nichols College.

Williams says she is enthusiastic about developing the new program at USM. Ten years ago, she also developed the program at Nichols College, where enrollment in the program increased significantly. Williams says she is eager for prospective students to recognize the program’s potential and is confident that the program will grow quickly, attracting Maine students and also those from other parts of the country. “ We want to be fresh, current, and provide a relevant academic experience for students,” says Williams. 

For further information about the new sport management concentration within the School of Business, contact the USM School of Business at 780-4020, or e-mail Williams at jwilliams@usm.maine.edu.

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