The Department of Sport and Entertainment Management has developed a track of new courses that allow undergraduates to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

The goal of the department's undergraduate research track is to more fully engage students in course content through independent research projects. The program is part of a larger University effort to get students involved in research to learn more about their areas of interest.

The research track consists of three research-based courses and independent study projects. Students also are required to take Business Principles in Athletic Management as part of the research track. Those who complete the requirements and have the required minimum GPA to qualify for the program are awarded their degrees with distinction in sport and entertainment management.

Nine students already have begun research. Sophomore Sam Johnson is taking a qualitative look at the implementation, execution, and future of corporate social responsibility in professional sports, specifically analyzing the Tennessee Titans organization. Johnson's research was inspired by a developing interest in the combination of public and private entities who are working toward a common goal of positive community development.

Senior Eric Rogers completed his senior project on marketing to Hispanic sport consumers with an emphasis on how public assembly facilities in Columbia can better reach this market. The project began as a diploma requirement for the Honors College, but Rogers later decided to use the project to earn the research track distinction.

"This project has been anything but easy. However, the chance to add more value not only to my diploma but also to my portfolio was one I could not pass up," he said.

Senior Dustin Doyle's thesis paper focuses on Title IX and sexual harassment in the setting of intercollegiate athletics.

"I've really enjoyed working on my research paper because it has allowed me to delve into an area of sports law that is very new and controversial, and it presented a welcome change from standard lecture and pro-seminar classes," Doyle said.

Adam Shuman, a junior sport and entertainment management major, was recently awarded a Magellan Scholar undergraduate research grant for a research project that focuses on risk management perceptions of collegiate sport venue managers in accommodating spectators with disabilities.

"The research projects demonstrate the innovative and imaginative academic curiosity upon which the research track was conceived," said John Grady, an assistant professor in the sport and entertainment management.

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