University of Southern Mississippi Sport Management Classes Collaborate with Biloxi Shuckers for Experiential Learning Program

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Sport Management classes have teamed up with the Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball organization for an exciting collaboration during the spring 2024 semester. The program allowed undergraduate and graduate students to participate in experiential learning projects, providing them with real-world experience in the sports industry.

On the undergraduate level, Dr. Sabrina Reed’s SM 395 Sport Sales Methods and Techniques class worked on a Ticket Sales Project with the Shuckers. Students were tasked with promoting and selling tickets for specific theme nights, including Mardi Gras Night, Military Appreciation Night, Educator Appreciation Night, and First Responders Night. With guidance from Shuckers sales executives and sales consultant Kathy Burrows, the students successfully sold nearly 200 tickets for the theme night games.

Dr. Chris Croft, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, led his SM 715 Sport Marketing and Public Relations class in developing marketing plans for the Shuckers on the graduate level. Under the guidance of Southern Miss alumna Makenzie Crampton, Director of Marketing and Social Media with the Shuckers, the class worked on strategic planning and vision proposals for brand awareness, traditional marketing, social media marketing, and community involvement.

Both classes had the opportunity to work closely with the Shuckers front office staff, gaining practical skills and knowledge for their future careers in the sports industry. The collaboration was highly beneficial for both the students and the Shuckers, with Assistant General Manager Trevor Matifes expressing his appreciation for the students’ contributions to the organization.

Dr. Reed and Dr. Croft hope to continue collaborating with the Shuckers and other professional sports organizations on similar experiential learning projects in the future. The partnership between USM and the Biloxi Shuckers highlights the university’s commitment to providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for success in the global marketplace.