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Sport Management

Available as a major

Sport Management majors are prepared to be leaders in a variety of roles in the business of sports. Every event or facility needs a strong network of people working behind the scenes, whether it’s a World Series game, a local rec sports league, a new playground facility or an outdoor community event.

In our program, you’ll learn the administrative aspects of sports — managing facilities, personnel, budgets, promotions and more — and you'll gain experience both on- and off-campus. 

Curriculum & Courses

Sample Course Offerings

HHP 313: Sport Marketing 
HHP 412: Advanced Principles & Practice of Sport Management
HHP 315: Behavioral Perspectives in Sports

Student using a laptop for a sports management class

Student Experiences

Strong mentoring leads alumnus to career in athletics

Adrian Dowell’s resume reflects his strong passion for the business of intercollegiate athletics, one that evolved during his years at Roanoke. The former men’s basketball team captain has worked at the NCAA National Office, at West Virginia University and currently, at Creighton University, where he serves as assistant athletic director and senior director for development. Along the way, he earned both an M.S. in sport management and an M.B.A.

Dowell '08 said his passion for intercollegiate athletics developed on- and off-court, with the help of athletic and academic role models that include Director of Athletics Scott Allison and Health and Human Performance Professor John Creasy. As a result, “upon graduation, I was prepared to enter this industry,” Dowell said.

Adrian Dowell pictured in suit and tie

What Makes Roanoke Different?

Because of Roanoke's history of hosting more than 50 NCAA championships, sport management majors can participate in the coordination of a fully functioning, national sporting event.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

Roanoke College offers top-notch sports and event venues. Here's a look at the Cregger Center, found right here on campus, and a few of our other athletic spaces. 

Cregger
track
arena
kerr stadium
practice fields

Study Abroad

Students study ancient Olympic games in Greece

Students in a stadium
Students by the sea
Students in ancient ruins
Student holding fruit in a marketplace
Students hanging out in ancient ruins
Students in an old theater
Students in ancient ruins
Student looking at sculptures
Students eating at a restaurant
Students looking over a cliff
Student doing a handstand on a trail
Students at ancient Greek ruins
Students in a valley in Greece
Students crossing a river
Students on a mountain looking over the town below

Careers & Outcomes

Our grads go on to work with great organizations

Logos of ESPN, MLL, MLB and NASCAR

Alumna scores with Cincinnati Reds job

Megan Hewett's desk overlooks first base of Great American Ball Park, home of Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds. It's a prime view for Hewett '12, who majored in sport management at Roanoke,  and now is Fantasy Camp coordinator and alumni coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. She organizes the Reds Fantasy Camp, held each year in Arizona, and coordinates activities for alumni Reds players. 

woman pictured with baseball field behind her

Faculty

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News

  • Workshop: Communicating Your Research in a Nutshell

    This interactive workshop, the first of a two-part event, is intended to train researchers to better communicate their work with people outside of their field. Folks from all programs are encouraged to attend!

    Date:
    March 27, 2026
    Time:
    4 - 6 p.m.
    Location:

    Antrim Chapel

    Workshop: Communicating Your Research in a Nutshellevent image

  • Nutshell Games Competition

    Engaged in research? Consider competing in this year's Nutshell Games Competition for a chance to win an Amazon e-gift card.

    Date:
    April 21, 2026
    Time:
    6 - 7:30 p.m.
    Location:

    Antrim Chapel

    Nutshell Games Competitionevent image

Interested in studying sport management at Roanoke College?

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