ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University is including a novel program to its academic offerings—a minor in Sports Ministry—that aligns with two pursuits of many AU college students. The new minor, designed for individuals who need to mix their ardour for athletics with their dedication to religion and management, shall be obtainable beginning in fall 2026.
The interdisciplinary minor is a collaboration between the departments of faith and advertising, trend merchandising and model administration and sport administration, bringing collectively coursework from each the College of Arts and Sciences and the Dauch College of Business and Economics.
Integrating these two in-demand fields, particularly at a spot like AU, appeared like a pure match for Peter Slade, Ph.D., professor of faith.
“Many students at AU are passionate about their faith and are actively involved in athletics,” mentioned Slade. “After graduating, they will be involved in sports ministries, some professionally, but most as volunteers in their communities and churches. We really believe this minor will help equip our students to work, serve and lead with integrity.”
Students who enroll within the Sports Ministry minor can count on to construct abilities in staff management, non secular improvement and repair, whereas gaining preparation for quite a lot of profession paths and volunteer alternatives in faith-based athletic settings.
“A minor in Sports Ministry will distinguish our college students making use of for jobs in faith-based organizations, which might embrace colleges, faculties, church buildings and para-church ministries,” commented Slade.
Laura Kruger, assistant professor of selling and sport administration, is happy to work along with campus companions on this new initiative and to see how college students develop of their character, religion and information.
“This is a true partnership. Two colleges partnered together to craft this minor due to the growing interests of students in sports, their faith and serving others,” mentioned Kruger.
University leaders consider the Sports Ministry minor will present college students with a particular mixture of sensible management coaching, non secular improvement and athletic engagement that displays AU’s general mission of shaping graduates who work, serve and lead with integrity of their communities.
Ashland University is a mid-size, non-public college conveniently positioned midway between Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Offering undergraduate, graduate {and professional} packages, AU places the “Accent on the Individual” by combining sturdy utilized academic packages with a distinguished school and employees who construct nurturing relationships with their college students.