The United States Sports Academy is strengthening its institutional and academic support with the development of the newly appointed advisory board for the School of Sport Business. The United States Sports Academy, also known as America’s Sports University, has been the gold standard for sport education for over 50 years.
The university has new and exciting initiatives coming this year, such as launching its first intercollegiate sports programs. Along with the launch of the university’s sports teams, the school will begin expanding its academic program offerings in areas such as marketing, business administration, and much more.
“These are exciting times for the United States Sports Academy” says Dr. Brandon Spradley, the Dean of the School of Sport Business. “As we continue to build and expand our academic program offerings, we want to ensure the university has the appropriate team to support these new initiatives. This starts with developing a strong advisory board for the School of Sport Business. We have an experienced group of sport, business, and higher education professionals who are willing to support the university and its programs.”
The United States Sports Academy offers sports management programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. The university is the first and currently only institution to have its sports management degree programs at each level accredited by ACBSP, which is the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs.
We are excited to announce the following professionals on the advisory board for the School of Sport Business.
Dr. China Jude
Dr. China Jude currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Denver Broncos. She has an extensive background in collegiate athletic administration, previously serving as the Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Jude has over 20 years of experience working in collegiate athletics coaching and administration at NCAA Division I and II universities, including 10 years as an athletic director. Dr. Jude was named the 2011 Alumna of the Year for the United States Sports Academy.
Clayton Hamilton
Clayton Hamilton has worked within the University of Arkansas athletic department since 2010 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer. He provides oversight of the athletic department’s financial affairs, business operations, and contracts, and serves as a member of the department’s executive cabinet. Clayton earned his master’s degree from the United States Sports Academy majoring in sports management.
Dr. Karla Gavin
Dr. Karla Gavin has a wealth of knowledge and experience in sports administration and higher education. She has over 30 years of work experience in athletics and academia, most recently serving as the Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies at Upper Iowa University. Dr. Gavin completed her Doctor of Education in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy.
Marlene Hendricks
Marlene Hendricks is the Vice President of Guest Experience at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. She was named to Sports Illustrated 100 Influential Black Women in Sports and is an award-winning executive leader. Marlene has worked for the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat focusing on talent acquisition, staffing, and guest services.
Brandon Bowling
Brandon Bowling is in his 7th year at Jessup University, an NAIA institution that is making its move to NCAA Division II. Brandon is the Deputy Athletic Director – overseeing all external operations for Jessup Athletics which includes all forms of revenue generation and sport administration oversight. Bowling is the President of the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce and is very active with BOSCA (The Business of Small College Athletics).
Chris Goode
Chris Goode is the Founder and President of Goode Elite Prep, a nonprofit organization that provides an opportunity to unsigned student-athletes to pursue their dreams of furthering their education while playing sports on the collegiate level. Chris played seven years in the National Football League (NFL) for the Indianapolis Colts as a defensive cornerback. He is a member of the NFLPA Birmingham Chapter, previously serving as the President, in which they won the “Chapter of the Year” in 2016. Chris also serves as a Player Advisor with The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University.
