May 11, 2018 Vanderbilt’s newly created Fellows Program provides former student-athletes with a year-long appointment in the athletics department and offers practical experience and an opportunity to earn a graduate degree. The program offers student-athletes tools to transition into a potential career in intercollegiate athletics.
On the afternoon of Vanderbilt’s Commencement, members of the 2018 Vanderbilt Fellows Program reflect on their experiences:
Nicole Powell
Bowling, Vanderbilt University (2013-17)
Master’s of Accounting from Owen School, Vanderbilt University
I began my fellowship working with the accountants in Vanderbilt Athletics’ Business Office. I have been pursuing a Masters of Accountancy here on campus, so it was the perfect opportunity to experience accounting firsthand outside of the classroom. In addition, I spent time working with Vanderbilt’s Academic Support team to help my former student-athlete peers as they focused on their studies within the athletic department.
After experiencing college athletics for four years through the lens of a student-athlete, the Fellows Program reminded me how much hard work takes place behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly for all of the athletes. I learned from the people I worked with how important it is for employees in college athletics to put the athletes first when making decisions. I worked with so many incredible people who are passionate about helping make the student-athlete experience a memorable one, which has reminded me how rewarding it can be to have a job that you enjoy.
Through the Fellows Program, I gained skills that should allow for a smoother transition into my professional career. I’ve had the opportunity to soak in the athletic department as a whole, which is similar to what I will be doing when I begin my profession as an auditor of a company. I am so grateful for Vice Chancellor David Williams and Associate Vice Chancellor Candice Lee for giving me this opportunity to see athletics from another point of view.
MYLES CHARLEY
Track & Field, Troy University (2013-17)
Master’s in Sport Fitness Management, Troy University
I was mentored by Senior Associate Athletic Director Martin Salamone as a member of the Fellows Program at Vanderbilt. While in the program, I was placed in multiple projects within our department. My first project was working within our Hall of Fame committee on the selection of this year’s class. I also worked game day operations with our marketing department. That included being in charge of Vandyville tailgating operations and helping to revamp our AmbassaDores program.
I learned a number of different things about the business side of athletics. Prior to my Fellows experience, I had no idea the number of moving parts — aside from coaching staffs — that actually worked behind the scenes on a typical game day. Through meetings with Vice Chancellor David Williams, I also learned about upcoming compliance and NCAA issues that future college athletics staffers might face.
The Fellows Program provided valuable experience in multiple areas within athletics. The opportunity to work in so many areas has filled in gaps on my résumé with a base knowledge of what it takes to run different areas within a program. Working within the best conference in the country in the SEC, you are able to witness firsthand what it takes to keep these programs successful on a year-end basis. I think this program has provided me a great opportunity to help further my career in athletics.
NICK WILLIAMS
Track & Field, High Point University (2013-17)
Master’s of Education in Learning, Diversity and Urban Studies, Vanderbilt University
During my time with Fellow’s Program, I took part in game day operations and ticketing, assisted in Vanderbilt’s Development Office and worked with the National Commodore Club. I also participated in research on projects involving former African-American student-athletes at Vanderbilt.
Through the Fellows Program, I learned more about the collaboration between the different pieces of the athletic department. I was able to experience exactly how departments like compliance, ticketing, academic advising, development, marketing and more are able to interconnect and feed off each other in an SEC athletic department.
This program helped prepare me for a potential career in college athletics, as well as how to more effectively work with others in the field.
Former Vanderbilt football player Wade Freebeck also took part in the Fellows Program, working with Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Affairs Lori Alexander. Freebeck assisted the marketing staff with the Max Nance Kids Zone and worked with compliance at events, among other day-to-day internal operations duties. Freebeck graduates this week with a Master’s of Finance from Vanderbilt’s Owen School. Former Vanderbilt basketball player Morgan Beaty also took part in the Fellows Program; she is slated to graduate in 2019.
