Newman’s Sports Media program turns students into industry stars through hands-on experience, industry-taught courses, and real-world internships. Graduates land prestigious positions at NFL teams and major broadcast stations, with diverse career paths available through specialized concentrations. Learn more at https://newmanu.edu/academics/sports-media-promotion
Newman University's Sports Media and Promotion program isn't just another communications degree – it's becoming a recognized talent pipeline sending graduates directly into coveted positions across the sports industry landscape. From NFL franchises to broadcast journalism, Newman alumni are making waves far beyond what you might expect from a small private university in Wichita, Kansas.
What makes this program so effective at producing industry-ready professionals? The answer lies in its unique approach to education that bridges classroom learning with real-world application. Students don't just learn about sports media – they practice it through hands-on experiences with Newman's own athletic department and university relations team.
"I wouldn't be where I am today without Newman's program," says CJ Campbell, who now works as a graphic design coordinator for the Detroit Lions after spending seven years in college football. His path from campus creative to NFL professional shows the program's ability to prepare students for success at the highest levels of sports media.
The program's effectiveness comes from its practical, industry-connected curriculum. While many communications programs offer theoretical knowledge, Newman University's approach focuses on experiential learning through internships with organizations like the Wichita Windsurge, Wichita Thunder Hockey, Kansas City Sports Commission, and YMCA. These opportunities allow students to build impressive portfolios before they even graduate.
Newman's Sports Media and Promotion program offers dual concentration options that allow students to specialize according to their career aspirations. The Media concentration prepares students for journalism, broadcasting, and content creation roles, while the Entertainment and Promotion concentration focuses on marketing, event management, and fan engagement.
This thoughtfully designed curriculum balances core communication skills with specialized knowledge. Students take courses like Small Group Team Building to develop collaboration abilities, Social Media and Digital Marketing to master digital platforms, and Special Projects in Public Relations to create campaigns for real clients, often local sports organizations.
The program goes beyond theory by incorporating real-world applications throughout the curriculum. Students don't just study sports media concepts – they implement them in practical scenarios that prepare them for the actual demands of the industry.
What truly distinguishes Newman's approach is that many courses are taught by working industry professionals who bring current trends and practices directly into the classroom. This ensures students learn not just theoretical concepts but practical applications valued by employers.
Faculty members like Zachary Brake, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Communication, bring their professional experience directly into the classroom. Students benefit from learning from instructors who are actively working in the sports media field, gaining insights into the day-to-day realities of the profession.
This industry connection extends beyond campus through guest lectures and workshops led by professionals from regional and national sports organizations. Students benefit from networking opportunities that frequently lead to internships and job offers.
The program's emphasis on practical experience is perhaps its greatest strength. Students don't just learn about sports media – they practice it daily through four key channels:
The true measure of any academic program is the success of its graduates. By this standard, Newman University's Sports Media and Promotion program truly excels. Across various sectors of the sports industry, alumni are making significant impacts in their careers:
CJ Campbell's story shows the program's ability to prepare students for high-level careers. After working in college football for seven years, Campbell now serves as a graphic design coordinator for the Detroit Lions. He credits his unique combination of sports communication and art training at Newman for his success.
"If it wasn't for Suzanne Berg, I would not have minored in art and combine the two essentially," Campbell explains. "Being in those art classes really helped shape me and helped prepare me to work in this profession the last seven years."
Campbell emphasizes how Newman's supportive environment encouraged him to try both his interests despite initial doubts about his artistic abilities. That encouragement led to the distinctive skill set that makes him valuable to an NFL franchise.
Tejay Cleland's rapid rise in broadcast journalism demonstrates the program's effectiveness in preparing students for media careers. Less than a year after graduation, Cleland became Sports Director at KWCH 12, a major CBS affiliate in Wichita.
"Crazy to think about what I've gotten the opportunity to do less than a year out of college. Appreciate the love from the alma mater Newman University!" Cleland shares. His swift advancement to a director-level position speaks volumes about the practical skills and industry knowledge he gained at Newman.
Beyond these notable examples, program graduates have found success across a remarkable range of roles, including:
Others have continued their education with graduate studies in business administration, sports management, digital marketing, and education, further expanding their career opportunities.
Current students and recent graduates offer compelling insights into how the program helps them discover and pursue their passions.
Necolo Lae, an international student from Italy and recent graduate, is becoming a Graduate Assistant at Southwestern. "Sport is my life and sport is everything that always brings me joy in life," Lae explains. "It's what I want to continue to do in my next career."
His experience shows how Newman's program serves students from diverse backgrounds, including international student-athletes looking to build careers in the sports industry.
Hayley Bonython, who interned with Newman's athletic department, found unexpected interests through the program. "I learned a lot more about what career path I wanna go to and I knew I wanted to go into sports, but the past couple of years have led me into taking more photos and videos and I've really enjoyed that and the social media side of things," she shares.
Meanwhile, current student Deqlan Mitchell chose the Sports Media and Promotion major specifically to help elevate his sport. "I'm gonna major in sports media just because I'm interested in, bowling's a niche sport, so I want to help it be more popular," Mitchell explains.
Newman University's Sports Media and Promotion program combines specialized education, hands-on experience, and industry connections that prepares students for successful careers across the sports media landscape. With its proven track record of producing industry-ready professionals who quickly advance to prestigious positions, the program stands as an excellent choice for aspiring sports media professionals.
Whether you want to work for a professional sports team, broadcast live events, manage social media for athletic organizations, or promote sports events, Newman University provides the education, experience, and opportunities to help you achieve your goals. Visit Newman University to learn how their sports media program can help launch your career in this exciting and growing field.
