Dr. Bob Frederick Sport Leadership Lecture Series
Reflections
“I liked how he gave us good information about how to get into a job. I’m walking away from this with a better idea about how to break into the world of athletics.”
- Matthew Ramstead (Sport Administration)
“I learned a lot about different ways to get out and connect with people. I also learned about the different jobs I can get with my degree and what I may want to do after I graduate.”
- Kale Schmidt (Kinesiology)
Advancing Your Career in Intercollegiate Athletics
Chris Croft, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Sport Management
University of Southern Mississippi
About Chris:
Dr. Croft has been in higher education and intercollegiate athletics for over twenty years as a coach, an administrator, and a professor. He has been a member of college basketball teams in the Big 12 Conference, PAC 10 Conference, Big Ten Conference, and Conference USA. Croft has extensive experience in college basketball while working at Oklahoma State University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Washington State University, the University of Texas El Paso, the University of Nebraska, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Additionally, he served as the Head Men’s Basketball coach of Martin Methodist College on the NAIA level.
Croft received his Associate of Arts degree in physical education from East Central Community College, bachelor's degree in coaching and sports administration from the University of Southern Mississippi while also obtaining a minor in history and teacher certification in social studies. Additionally, he also received a master's degree in human performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. Croft completed his doctoral degree in educational leadership and administration at the University of Texas El Paso. He also has completed a graduate certificate in Sport Security Management from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Three Keys to Climbing the Career Ladder in Collegiate Athletics
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Be the hardest worker and most valuable team member in your athletic department area.
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Every day at your current job is a job interview for future career jobs with other athletic department members.
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Always have a backup plan due to the fluid environment of intercollegiate athletics and possible life cycle changes.
"Chase your dreams with purpose, passion, & persistence, and enjoy the journey!"
- Chris Croft