SPM Faculty and Research

Sports Product Management faculty are accomplished industry leaders and researchers who inspire with their practical skills and knowledge.

Whether it's hands-on experience developing a ground-breaking new shoe or parsing how advancements in technology impacted poll vaulting world records, faculty in the University of Oregon's Sports Product Management program are advancing all aspects of the industry. They are committed and approachable teachers, mentors with exceptional industry connections, and thought leaders driving the evolution of the sports and outdoor product industries.


Our Faculty

With experience leading product development, marketing, and category general management for running, outdoor, and equipment product lines, you'll learn from faculty who have designed footwear for elite athletes, optimized manufacturing and supply chains for national and international brands, dreamed up and launched innovative new products, and more

Profile head and shoulders photo of Jinky Panganiban smiling at the camera with parted long black hair standing in front of light tubes in lobby of 109 Naito
Professor of Practice | Sports Product Management Program

Expertise

  • Product Creation
  • Strategy in the Sports and Lifestyle Industry
  • Diversity and Inclusion
     

Research Highlights

The Sports Product Management program is committed to research efforts that support innovation and advance learning in the world of sports and outdoor products. Here is some of our faculty's most sought-after research and insights. 

See More Research


Founding Faculty

Working for Nike in Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Korea and the United States, Ellen Schmidt-Devlin realized there wasn't a program out there that prepared students to work in the sports product industry. Upon receiving her MBA at the UO's Lundquist College of Business, she worked alongside Dr. Roger Best to cofound the UO Sports Product Management program.

Ellen Schmidt-Devlin
Cofounder, Sports Product Management Program

Schmidt-Devlin holds a PhD from Case Western University. Her expertise spans the supply chain with direct responsibility for product development, merchandising, marketing, and manufacturing. In addition to being the program's leader, she teaches the Integrative Project-Sports Product Making course.

Roger Best
Professor Emerit of Marketing

Best is widely regarded as a pioneer in marketing metrics. He spent 25 years working extensively in marketing education and consulting with such companies as 3M, Agilent General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, DuPont, Eastman-Kodak, and Tektronix. He earned his PhD in marketing from the University of Oregon and has authored several textbooks.

In the video below, Sports Product Management cofounders Ellen Schmidt-Devlin and Roger Best discuss how the program was developed and share a glimpse into the future.