Published on
March 15, 2024 at 5:00:00 AM PDT March 15, 2024 at 5:00:00 AM PDTth, March 15, 2024 at 5:00:00 AM PDT
Tips From The Pros
Bill Squires served 12 years on active duty in the United States Navy and 12 years in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Commander. In 1987, he entered the sports facilities and event management business and has held top-level positions with Yankee Stadium, Giants Stadium, Cleveland Browns Stadium, and ESPN Wide World of Sports. Bill has a consulting business featuring clients like the New York Football Giants. He is a member of the Sports League Sub Council, which works with the Department of Homeland Security on security issues involving the safety and security of sports and entertainment venues. Bill is an adjunct professor at Columbia University and has taught the Sports Facilities and Events Management course in the Master of Science in Sports Management since 2007.GIVING BACK AND GIVING FORWARD
Columbia University in Manhattan, New York City, created a Master of Science in Sports Management program in 2006. Columbia is the only Ivy League university to offer a degree (undergraduate or graduate) in sports management.
I was asked by the part-time Lecturer teaching the Leadership course to speak to students during the program’s initial year. It was an honor to be asked, and I enjoyed the opportunity. I attended the United States Naval Academy and served 12 years on active duty as a naval aviator, having the opportunity to travel worldwide. For the last two years, I served as the Communications Officer onboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). I have experienced significant leadership lessons in the Navy and as a civilian, and I am always willing to share them.
In 2007, I was asked by the Sports Management Program Director if I would be interested in teaching a new course, “Sports Facilities and Events Management.” Since I had the time and interest, I accepted the offer. I just completed my 17th year teaching the course and look forward to year 18. I have no plans to stop teaching the course.
Teaching is an enlightening experience. It forces me to continue learning to provide students with the best learning experience possible. Students from many countries have taken my course, and I recently had my first student from Pakistan and Luxembourg. I have learned so much from international students, which is priceless. I have made many friends and assisted with their continued growth in sports facilities, events management, and life. Two weeks ago, I had a former student from Indonesia ask me for a recommendation for an internship, and I was happy to do so. Last week, a student from Singapore visiting New York City on business asked if I could meet, and we did. It was great to see him, and we had a great conversation. I make it clear to the students that I will always be available to them.
Students have told me that one of the highlights of their learning experience is the classes conducted at MetLife Stadium. They travel to the stadium on a Saturday in late September or early October, the day before a New York Jets or New York Football Giants home game. The two classes are taught by the President/CEO of MetLife Stadium, who discusses booking and hosting events, and the General Manager of Delaware North Sportservice, the concessionaire at MetLife Stadium, who discusses the food and beverage operation throughout the premium spaces/general seating areas and merchandise operations. The students are served lunch between classes, and I conduct a behind-the-scenes tour of MetLife Stadium. It is a long day (seven hours) for the students, but the feedback has been very positive. Other guest speakers include representatives from Citi Field, Madison Square Garden, the National Football League, State Farm Arena, and the Green Sports Alliance.
Columbia University also offers a Master of Science in Sustainability Management. A graduate of this program who has become a part-time Lecturer approached the Academic Director of the Sports Management program about developing the course “Sustainability in Sports.” I was asked to assist with the course development. The draft of the course has been completed and is now being reviewed by a course review committee. The goal is to add the course to the syllabus during the fall of 2024 for Sports Management and Sustainability Management students.
The purpose of this article is to encourage you to search for opportunities to give back or forward for the career you have had or have in the sports and events management industry. You will make a difference in the lives of others, and you will feel good about doing so.
Lifelong learning keeps one young in mind and spirit.
FUN FACTS
- The following courses were offered in 2006-2007
- One course in the fall with one faculty member
- Two courses in the spring of 2007 with two faculty members
- Five courses in the fall of 2007 with five faculty members Note: Students took courses (finance/accounting and marketing) from the Columbia Business School.
- The following courses are offered (2024) in the Columbia University Master of Science in Sports Management:
- Five core courses
- Three sports projects
- Seven sports analytics courses
- Three global focus courses
- Eleven sports elective courses
- Seven marketing courses
- A total of 36 courses Note: Two zero credit enrichment requirements are part of the program.
- Staff
- Three full-time faculty
- Forty part-time Lecturers
- 876 students from 50 countries have or are participating in the program.
- As of 2022, there are 430 sports management majors across the United States.
- 359 undergraduate programs
- 71 graduate programs
- As of 2022, there are 505 sports management programs at the undergraduate level worldwide.
My final fun fact is that I graduated from Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ, in 1971 and now teach at Columbia University. Many of my friends from high school find this difficult to believe.
Posted March 19, 2024