It's been a busy, busy spring for the University of Oregon's Sports Product Management Program (UO SPM). In March, UO SPM received official approval for its master's degree program and immediately began accepting applications. April saw the program in Hong Kong, where it held its first international workshop and networking events in its ongoing series. And in May, UO SPM announced the winner of a new award created to recognize sports product innovators. And all that is just for starters.
New Program Draws Strong Candidates
Interest in the UO SPM master's degree program is very high, reports director Ellen Schmidt-Devlin. Since the program received its official approval on March 12, it has seen applications from prospective students from all over the world. The program will continue to accept applications on a rolling admissions basis through July 1. For those still considering the program, a free online information session will take place on June 23.
Sign Up for June 23 Online Info Session
This fall, students in the program's inaugural class will begin to immerse themselves in the nuts and bolts of sports product management via a two-and-a-half week boot camp that will take place before classes officially begin on September 28. Meanwhile, work has begun on the new building that will become the permanent home of UO SPM as well as the Oregon Executive MBA. Construction fans are invited to follow the progress on a live video feed.
World Class Faculty and Mentors
Thanks to its base in Portland—widely acknowledged as the sports product business's top international hub—UO SPM has access to industry professionals with extensive experience in all facets of the business. A new UO SPM video series highlights insights from four of these: Travis Nancy and Marcus Smith (both from Adidas) and Tobie Hatfield and Steve Bence (both from Nike).
Throughout the 18-month master's degree program, learning opportunities will take place both inside and outside the classroom. A mentor program has also been created that will match each student with an industry professional who will provide their perspective and share career wisdom. For their part, mentors will gain a valuable pipeline for emerging industry talent, as well as the satisfaction of contributing to a student's growth.
Workshop Series Flourishes
UO SPM's debut international workshop—“Sustainable Supply Chain: From Design to Market"—drew 21 attendees to the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel. The SPM program is committed to conducting at least one international workshop per year.
Meanwhile, on June 18-19 in Portland, last year's sold-out workshop “Merchandising: The Art of Building and Selling Profitable Assortments" will be back by popular demand.
New Industry Award Debuts
Finally, to recognize individuals and organizations showing commitment to innovation within the sports product industry, UO SPM has created the Best Innovation MVP Award. The honor is named for Lundquist College of Business Professor Emeritus Roger Best, who has played an integral role in the formation and ongoing success of the program. Fittingly enough, the inaugural winner is Best himself.
“Roger's vision for sports product research and education will be a legacy for the University of Oregon," said UO SPM's Schmidt-Devlin.
“I knew from the start the Sports Product Management program was going to make a major impact," said Best. “I am grateful to be a part of its development and receive this honor."