Alex Shillow

When Alex Shillow arrived at A&M-Commerce from Pflugerville, Texas, on a football scholarship, he quickly gravitated toward the Sport and Recreation Management program. According to Shillow, the program’s professors work hard to help students accomplish their dreams, which is rare at most schools. “The professors in this program are truly connectors to industry professionals,” he said. “I’ve seen them go out of their way to help students achieve their goals.” "If you're willing to work hard and want to love what you do, this will be a great program for you,” Shillow continued. “The program will bond you to bright, like-minded individuals and connect you with opportunities that will prepare you to succeed in the sports industry." Shillow explained that the program also prepared him for the realities of a sports career. "The sports world is fast and competitive," he said. "This program taught me how to navigate that while staying true to myself. It taught me to stay humble and always be a servant leader." Now, working in college sports himself, Shillow reports that the program taught him to be a creative innovator, marketer and leader in the industry. "I understand how to lead effectively in a sports world full of diverse people and cultures," he said. "The growing diversity in sports is benefiting the industry every day."

Savannah Rutledge (Graduate Assistant - Ticket Office, Texas Christian University)

Hailing from The Woodlands, Texas, Savannah Rutledge describes herself as a highly competitive person who grew up surrounded by sports. When she arrived at A&M-Commerce to play volleyball, she immediately felt drawn to the Sport and Recreation Management program. "The program challenged me to excel in ways I didn't know were possible before college," Rutledge said. "I was able to thrive in a supportive environment and gained the confidence I needed." Rutledge said she's grateful for the professors in the program, who pushed her to shine as a student-athlete and taught her the ins and outs of achieving a successful career in the sports industry. Perhaps the most valuable skill, she believes, is how to network. "No matter which career field you choose, it's all about who you know," she said. "Networking allows me to meet new people and promote myself without being in a formal interview. I use this tool every day in my role in college athletics." One of her A&M-Commerce professors even tapped into their own personal network to connect Rutledge with a contact at Texas Christian University, who is now Rutledge’s supervisor! "I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my professors in the Sport and Recreation Management program at A&M-Commerce," Rutledge added. "They want the best for their students and will always lend a hand to those who ask."

Makayla Martin

Makayla Martin came to A&M-Commerce from Linden, Texas, to study kinesiology. She switched her major to sport and recreation management after Dr. Clay Bolton presented the program in one of her classes. "From that day on, I knew sport and recreation management was the program for me," Martin said. She said the program has a family feel. "Dr. Bolton and his colleagues welcomed me into the program with open arms, and they've mentored me every day since then," Martin said. "They treat me like family. They make sure I'm staying on top of my studies, but they also want to know that my personal life is going well, too." Martin believes the program’s faculty are top-notch professors who go above and beyond to help their students succeed. "In this program, you will gain so much knowledge and experience in the sports world," she said. "I've never had professors who care so much about me and spend so much of their time to ensure that I have every tool I need to be successful."

Juan Olivo (Ticketing Coordinator, Lion Athletics, Texas A&M University-Commerce)

Juan Olivo grew up in Commerce, Texas, and he chose to attend A&M-Commerce in order to stay close to home and save money. Early in his college career, he met an upperclassman who highly recommended taking a class with Dr. Clay Bolton. "I took their advice the following semester and absolutely fell in love with the program," Olivo said. "Everyone I met there was great, and the professors were super helpful." He reports that the program has already had a positive impact on his life. "The networking and ability to volunteer at numerous events have given me real-world experience and connected me with industry professionals who will be instrumental when I graduate," he said. "If you're considering the Sport and Recreation Management program at A&M-Commerce, do it," Olivo said. "You will get an overview of sports in the U.S. and around the world." He continued: "The professors in the Department of Health and Human Performance really show how much they care for their students. I have been able to accomplish many things because Dr. Bolton and his colleagues believed in my ability to go out and showcase my talents," he said. "Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."