Talking with Bears is a series where we take a few minutes each week to talk to some of the current graduate students at Baylor and discuss their experience at the university and in Waco.
Hometown: Loa, Utah
Undergraduate Degree: Economics
Undergraduate University: Brigham Young University
Graduate Degree: M.A. in Sport Management
Expected Year of Graduation: 2017
What was the biggest factor that persuaded you to attend Baylor for graduate school?
They have the structure necessary to support my program. I came and visited the campus along with Dr. Petersen, and everything exceeded my expectations. I was really leaning towards attending another university, but the visit sealed the deal. The people of Waco were very kind and genuine, so it eased the tension of being halfway across the country from home. I also like the family values that seem to flow through the culture of Waco. That was big for my wife and me.
What is one thing that has surprised you about graduate school at Baylor?
How engaging the learning process is. Almost every single student in my program is working outside of class in a sport management related field. It is a great plus to the program.
If you had to describe your graduate school experience (so far) in three words, what would they be?
Stretch, manage, and understand.
If you were Dean Lyon for a day, what would be two things that you would change?
- Allow students to handle aspects of attraction more. I think student led tours and things are great, but adding student led marketing campaigns could boost the profile of the grad school. Youth would aid in being in tune with social media and other modern marketing thoughts and trends.
- He is really cool so getting him in front of the student population more could do wonders. If undergrads heard him speak or interacted with him, I am sure some would be swayed to pursue a grad degree.
What activities are you involved with outside of the classroom?
I work for SMG McLane Stadium and am active in the Sport Management Association. A few less official things include exercising at the SLC and attending athletic events.
What does your average Saturday look like?
My wife and I get up around 6:30 or 7:00 head to the gym and we usually spend the day enjoying sporting events either on TV or in person. The evenings we usually try to go somewhere new for dinner then catch a movie.
How has the city of Waco impacted your time during graduate school?
It is fun place to explore with its own unique culture, but I think the people have impacted me more than anything. I have yet to meet an unkind person in my time here. It sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s the truth. It has made me a kinder person and helped me appreciate the important things in life a little more.
What is your go-to lunch spot in Waco?
We have tried a lot of new stuff, so I haven’t repeated too many meals. Torchy’s Tacos may have recently become my go-to.
If you could give one piece of advice to prospective graduate students that are interested in Baylor, what would it be?
Join us!
Compiled by Matthew Doyen
March 8, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Porter and Carlie have been great additions to the Waco Community. Porter did not mention that he coaches a group of 14 year old basketball players each week. He is great with the boys.