story by Claire Miller
Before enrolling in the College of Education & Human Development’s sport administration master’s program, Laura Hicks had already interned with the Los Angeles Chargers, ESPN’s 2018 Birmingham Bowl Week and spent three and a half years working for the University of Alabama’s football team.
Through this work, she learned the ins and outs of major event planning, assisted with player philanthropic events and supported and coordinated community events – experiences that solidified her interest in a career in athletics administration.
“I have a passion for connecting and impacting people’s lives through sports,” Hicks said. “I want to be instrumental in creating and delivering successful sports experiences and pursuing a career in athletics administration will equip me to do just that.”
Hicks is one of eight students nationwide chosen for the 2020 McLendon Minority Postgraduate Scholarship, a program that supports students from minority populations who want to become collegiate athletics leaders. Scholarship recipients will each receive a $10,000 grant for their postgraduate studies in athletics administration.
“It’s an honor that this board of directors believed in me and my potential to impact sports and the future generation through sports,” said Hicks, who wants to work in football operations, player development and community relations. “Receiving this scholarship affords me the opportunity to further my education and continue to develop my skills and knowledge.”
This scholarship will support her as she continues her master’s in sport administration at Georgia State this fall. Hicks is looking forward to studying in Atlanta – a city with several major sports teams – and networking with her classmates and alumni from the program.
“The sport administration program was ranked the 11th graduate sport management program in 2019, so I knew it would fully prepare me with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the field,” she said. “I also know several alumni who spoke highly of the program and who have gone on to be successful, and each of them attributes some of their success to the Georgia State program.”
For more information about the scholarship, click here.