An Ohio University faculty member will be honored for his work in making the university have an award-winning sports management program.
Andrew Kreutzer, associate professor for sports administration and facility management, will receive the 2014 Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus Award in May at the College of Business’ annual symposium.
“To be considered in the same category as the people I’ve admired in the industry is humbling,” Kreutzer said.
Kreutzer was program coordinator of OU’s Department of Sports Administration and Facility Management in 1995. SportBusiness International, an international sports information site, ranked OU’s sports management program as the top postgraduate sports course ranking in 2012.
He also established the current curriculum between the sports management program and the College of Business — a relationship that began in the 1999-2000 school year. Initially, the sports management program didn’t include business training.
Kreutzer connects students with OU alumni who have made successful careers in the sports industry to secure mentorship and internship opportunities.
“That’s just an incredible amount of work, not just teaching classes and doing research ... He is very deserving of the award,” said Hugh Sherman, dean of the College of Business.
The Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus Award was established in 1982 in honor of Charles Higgins, former program sports management director and current professor emeritus. Award recipients, who total slightly more than 30, demonstrate an impact in education and the sports industry.
“Absolutely, (the department) is so appreciative of his mentorship to students and administrators,” said Jessica Gardner, director of communications for the College of Business. “He definitely has a vision and direction in leadership for the sports administration department.”
Kreutzer will retire at the end of the 2013-14 school year, but he said he is proud of how the sports management program has grown during his years at OU.
“Short of 50 years, the sports industry changed dramatically,” Kreutzer said. “We certainly are encouraged by our faculty ... I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with.”
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