Newly launched Athletic Director's Learning Lab to help BGSU students take meaningful steps into sports careers

For generations of Bowling Green State University students, the Falcons’ Division I athletics teams have not only been an enduring source of school pride, but they also have provided a pivotal learning environment where students explore possibilities and gain real-world experience in the sports industry.

Through an elevated, intentional partnership between the University and its department of athletics, BGSU students from a wide variety of academic disciplines will now be able to take that experience to the next level.

The Athletic Director’s Learning Lab, which will debut for the 2026-27 academic year, will create a one-of-a-kind learning environment that allows students to blend the skills, practices and methods they learn in their classes with practical, industry-focused educational opportunities inside the world of D-I athletics.

Beyond simply being a favorite interest for many people, sports teams also are high-profile employers for high-performing college graduates of nearly every degree program – and BGSU already has a ready-made ecosystem for interested students to learn about how their skills can translate directly into a rewarding career path in the industry.

"The sport and entertainment industry is a multi-billion-dollar global industry that continues to grow and change," said Derek van der Merwe, the BGSU vice president for athletics strategy. "BGSU is looking to fully leverage its Division I-FBS athletics program and its coaches, staff and alums to support the educational experience of students who want to learn more about how to best prepare for career opportunities in this fast-growing industry.

“BGSU will continue to innovate on how to best leverage its resources to support the academic mission of the University while building successful athletic programs."    

Every year, more than 400 BGSU students participate in some facet of Bowling Green athletics, which runs the gamut from volunteering for events and game days to holding part-time jobs or internships that help them build enduring skills and gain career experience without ever leaving campus.

Sports teams, particularly at the D-I and professional levels, encompass career paths for nearly every skill. Beyond the field, sports organizations hire professionals in business, communications, marketing, finance, graphic design, nonprofit administration, analytics, retail management, pre-law and economics and more for positions in the front office.

Behind the scenes, many teams maintain full staffs in operations, equipment, athletic training and, at the college level, academic support and compliance.

The Athletic Director’s Learning Lab will leverage significant expertise and resources already at Bowling Green – including its top ranking in Ohio for career preparation – to further develop students’ career-readiness and support the University’s commitment to experiential learning and building the educated, forward-thinking workforce of tomorrow.

The program has four main goals:

• Creating a structured year-round learning experience;
• Expanding career exploration and professional development;
• Supporting recruitment and enrollment growth;
• Building industry connections. 

Students interested in the AD Learning Lab will have access to two possible pathways – the sports administration lab and the coaching development lab – both of which will have unique areas of focus and workshops led by leaders in the sports field, including BGSU alumni, administrators and staff to provide insight into topics like leadership, professional development and industry trends.

Both programs are 10 months in duration, will recruit in August and formally begin in September.

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