Flagler College’s Sport Management program has earned national recognition, as Program Director, Dr. Jillian McNiff Villemaire, was named the 2025 Distinguished Sport Management Educator from the North American Society for Sport Management.
Villemaire is the first educator from a teaching institution to receive the award, which highlights her leadership in experiential learning and her commitment to empowering students through hands-on learning opportunities.
A Career Built on Real-World Experience
Before joining Flagler’s faculty in 2014, Villemaire built a successful marketing career with organizations including the New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium, and Boston University, where she earned her Doctorate and completed research on early career experiences among sport management graduates. Her industry background informs the program’s emphasis on connecting classroom learning with real-world application.
“Because the sports industry is so competitive, giving students hands-on experience right from the start helps them build strong resumes and stand out when they graduate,” Villemaire said.
From the Classroom to the Field
From their very first course, students gain industry exposure through opportunities such as working high-profile events like the Daytona 500 and The Players Championship or supporting Flagler’s own athletic department.
Classes typically feature five to six guest speakers from different areas of the sports industry, giving students direct exposure to diverse career paths, insider perspectives, and professional guidance. Assignments often include interviewing industry leaders, providing students with low-pressure networking opportunities, and confidence-building experiences.
The program also requires a 60-hour apprenticeship and a full-time, 40-hour-per-week internship in a student’s final semester. Villemaire emphasizes that internships are guided by student choice, aligning with individual interests and strengths, while supported by faculty coaching and industry introductions.
Shaping Careers Through Student Choice
Villemaire’s philosophy is rooted in empowering students to design their own paths. By encouraging them to pursue internships and projects that match their passions, students leave the program with strong portfolios and a sense of ownership over their career journey.
She points to alumna Jamie Eisenberg as an example. Eisenberg’s initiative on a class project with SportsMEDIA Technology led to a full-time internship and, later, a career with the company.
“We provide students with the tools and connections, but we want them to choose the opportunities that excite them most,” Villemaire said. “When they take ownership of their path, they’re more engaged, passionate, and invested in the experience.”
Preparing Students for a Global Industry
As the sports industry becomes increasingly globalized, Flagler prepares students to adapt across cultures and international markets. The program emphasizes intercultural awareness, global marketing strategies, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences. The ability to communicate effectively across cultures and tailor marketing strategies to various populations has become a highly valued skill essential to finding long-term success in this new digital era.
“In sport, the game itself transcends language,” Villemaire said. “The way we consume sports is very social. We attend an event, and we high-five strangers because it is part of this camaraderie that we build with people that we don’t know. Technology now allows us to watch cricket in India, soccer in the UK, and many other sports around the world in real time. It has completely transformed the sports industry.”
Flagler’s Sport Management program actively fosters intercultural awareness and adaptability to prepare students for success in a wide range of international and cross-cultural roles. The program’s international reach is reflected in a diverse student body. Many international students pursue internships in their home countries, while others take advantage of opportunities abroad.
The preparation extends beyond travel, as students in the program must also develop an understanding of global marketability and audience engagement. Faculty provide individualized support to ensure each student gains meaningful industry experience, wherever their career path leads.
Building Leaders for the Future of the Sport
Villemaire also integrates student choice into her courses, even inviting classes to collaborate on syllabus design. Her published research shows that this approach enhances engagement and success, allowing students to play to their strengths and take ownership of their education.
She emphasizes that the qualities driving early career success are often less about technical skills and more about mindset. “The common thread among our graduates who thrive is initiative, drive, and passion for the industry,” Villemaire said. “When students are eager, willing to try new things, and ready to work, they are successful.”
Internship Coordinator Danielle Stanley plays a pivotal role in preparing students for that transition. She coaches interns on workplace behaviors, professionalism, and strategies for setting themselves apart—such as asking for more responsibility or seeking out new projects.
“Students who are eager to learn, who put themselves out there and want to grow, are the ones who really shine,” Villemaire added.
Supported by a dedicated faculty team, including Dr. Ashley Ryder and Dr. Taylor Behl, Flagler sport management students graduate equipped with an expansive understanding of the industry and with four years of experiential learning, industry connections, and the confidence to excel in one of the most competitive career fields.
