Jerry P. Wilkins Sport Management Scholarship for Leaders
Click here for printable flyerCONTACT
To apply for this scholarship, please call or e-mail:
Dallas D. Branch, Jr. Ph.D., Associate Professor, Sport Management Program Coordinator
WVU School of Physical Education
PO Box 6116
E-mail: Dallas.Branch@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-3295 ext. 5264
FAX: (304) 293-4641
Jerry P. Wilkins was president of the 2001-2002 graduate sport management class. Tragically, he was killed at the hands of a fellow WVU student on February 2, 2002. In his honor, the graduate sport management program established this scholarship award to continue his legacy of compassion, leadership, and wisdom. Jerry was a leader among his peers and one who exemplified spiritual maturity and humility. He had a very promising future, with the goal of having a career in the NFL. Jerry was well on his way to fulfilling that goal, having secured an internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers shortly before his untimely death.
With all of his academic achievements and professional endeavors, Jerry is most remembered for his selfless attitude and the time he dedicated to enriching other people’s lives, especially those younger than himself. He served as a mentor to young minority students, helping them to adjust to college life academically and socially.
In order to commemorate Jerry’s outstanding achievements and the impact he made in so many lives, The WVU School of Physical Education has created the Jerry P. Wilkins Scholarship for Leaders. The award will go to a deserving minority student who has been admitted to and accepts enrollment into the graduate sport management program. The student should exemplify outstanding leadership ability as well as demonstrate a commitment to enriching other people’s lives through community service.
“Jerry left a footprint on everyone he’s touched” - Dana Brooks, Dean of the WVU School of Physical Education
“Jerry Represented the five elements important to the Steelers: tradition, passion, commitment, leadership and integrity.” - John Simpson, VP Marketing, Pittsburgh Steelers
“Jerry finished a winner!” - Deborah “Sonni” Brown, Mother
Minorities in Sport Management
Sport management is one of the fastest growing fields with various career opportunities for aspiring young professionals. Despite this fact, minorities and women continue to be underrepresented in most positions held in the sport industry. Dr. Richard Lapchick, Director of the University of Central Florida’s Sport in Society Institute has been conducting racial report cards for the hiring practices of professional teams for the past decade, which was formerly housed at Northeastern University. Dr. Lapchick has stated, “While the hiring practices in sport have gotten better for people of color and women, there is clearly significant room for progress in all sports” (Muster, The Sport Journal, 2001). Professional sports teams, collegiate athletic departments and other sport-related businesses in this industry are moving in the right direction to improve their hiring practices and are seeking qualified minorities and women for various career opportunities. The Jerry P. Wilkins Scholarship for Leaders award will provide a unique opportunity for a minority student who desires a career in the sport industry.
Sport Managment On-Campus Master's Degree Links
Degree Requirements (Curriculum)
Jerry P. Wilkins Sport Management Scholarship for Leaders
Other Sport Management Links
Online Sport Management Master's Degree Program
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Home Page
West Virginia University Home Page
Updated: 9/30/08 sb