SFA offers new certificate for sports innovation

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Beginning this fall, the sports business and entrepreneurship programs in Stephen F. Austin State University's Rusche College of Business will offer the new Sports Innovation Certificate to any SFA undergraduate or nondegree-seeking student.

"This certificate is designed to help our students launch their careers and provide them with the skills desired by sport organizations," said Dr. Jason Reese, SFA associate professor of marketing. "Any student at SFA can take part in this 12-hour academic certificate and enhance their understanding of sports entrepreneurship and innovation."

The certificate courses focus on the latest name, image and likeness (referred to as NIL) developments as well as the principles of entrepreneurship that contribute to success in the ever-changing field of sports.

"Whether you're a student interested in working in the NIL field or an SFA student-athlete wanting to manage your NIL, this program is designed with innovations in higher education sports in mind," said Dr. Raymond Jones, director of SFA's entrepreneurship program. "It is a fast-growing area for new positions in collegiate athletics."

Prospective employers are eager to see how students completing this certificate will contribute to the sports industry after graduation.

"Universities must offer programs for students to seize new opportunities, and I am excited about the future of SFA's sports business and entrepreneurship programs," said Norman Schippers, founder and president of Alodia Basketball Academy, SFA accounting graduate, and chair of the Rusche College of Business Executive Advisory Board.

With the rapid generational shift in sports impacting youth, high school, collegiate and professional athletics, Schippers believes the new certificate program will help students develop the entrepreneurial mindset they will need in their careers.

"The Sports Innovation Certificate embodies progress in sports by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to reshape the future of athletics," he said.

For more information, email Jones at [email protected] or Reese at [email protected].