Jubenville Continues to Drive Change in College Athletics

By Michelle Brutlag Hosick
NCAA.org

A year after the Sun Belt Conference launched a new sportsmanship education effort among member schools, initial data confirm what officials suspected: The coach is the most important figure in developing sportsmanship among student-athletes.

The "RealSportsmanship" study also revealed that student-athletes generally develop their own unique concepts and levels of awareness of sportsmanship before arriving on Sun Belt campuses. Kathy Keene, associate commissioner of the conference, said that result was something the conference will take advantage of in next year's iteration of the survey.

Designed by Middle Tennessee State University Center for Sport Policy and Research with information and possible scenarios presented between pre- and post-tests, the survey asks participants about their value system and advises how to handle negative situations before they happen.

Sun Belt Conference Releases Findings for Real Sportsmanship Platform: Study Provides Baseline for Continued Effective Sportsmanship Initiative

NEW ORLEANS - After more than a year of design, development and analysis, the Sun Belt Conference has released the findings of a pilot program it developed as part of the league's "Real Sportsmanship" initiative.

"After one year, the data suggests that the survey can be an effective tool for teaching sportsmanship and that it provides coaches and student-athletes the ability to reflect on their own values, standards and beliefs that define sportsmanship," said Sun Belt Associate Commissioner Dr. Kathy Keene.

The Sun Belt Conference Real Sportsmanship Program platform is an education initiative launched by the Sun Belt Conference in 2009 and implemented during the 2009-10 academic calendar year.

Beginning in August, Justin Jones will work in an Internship role with the Blue Raider Athletic Association at Middle Tennessee State University. Jones is working alongside former MTSM graduate Clint Marks ('09) who recently accepted the position of Fundraising Coordinator. Jones will assistance the BRAA staff, lead by Director Alan Farley, in coordinating, fulfilling, and facilitating in fundraising efforts.

Jones credits program director Dr. Colby Jubenville for realizing his potential and placing him in a position to excel at a position when the opportunity presents itself.

"I would like to thank Dr. Jubenville for pushing and coaching me over the past year," said Jones.  The guidance, direction, and leadership of Dr. Jubenville helped me get to where I am today.  His efforts went beyond the classroom.  He forced me to think critically and helped me get better with every challenge he threw at me and coached me every step of the way, both inside and outside the class room.  Without the assistance and guidance Dr. Jubenvile provided I would not be in the position I am today."

Along with his praise for Dr. Jubenville, Jones recognized the opportunity Alan Farley is providing.

"I would also like to thank Alan Farley for giving me this great opportunity with the BRAA.  The BRAA is a great organization to gain experience and learn from.  I am very appreciative of this opportunity and leadership provided by Mr. Farley."

The Tennessee Board of Regents, at its regular meeting on June 24^th, 2010 approved the recommendation of Middle Tennessee State University that Colby B. Jubenville be promoted to Professor effective August 1, 2010. 

"This promotion is validation of the contribution I have made during my time at MTSU," said Dr. Jubenville. "I would like to recognize those individuals who I have worked with in both scholarship and funded research and acknowledge that they were part of the force that continues to push this body of work forward. I am excited about the future at MTSU and the opportunities that await us." 

Recent MTSM graduate Thomas Samuel has been accepted into the University of Memphis Law School. Samuel will pursue a law degree after experiencing an intentional manifestation through his time in the program and the mentorship of Dr. Colby Jubenville.

“Dr. Jubenville sat down with me and asked me to write down my dreams and work backwards,” said Samuel. “I did just that and now I am realizing the first step of that dream by gaining admittance into the University of Memphis Law School. Dr. Jubenville not only gave me a chance to prepare academically for the rigors of law school, but he also personally reached out to people in his network that were tied to the admission process. The program at MTSU provided me with the education and the relationships to take the next step in my professional life.”

Add Samuel to the list of recent graduates that are finding their unique voice as the next generation of leaders.

“Thomas is another example of a student finding their unique voice and marrying their talents and passion with something bigger than themselves. I look forward to seeing him continue his success,” said Dr. Jubenville.

Winners Announced

As part of the 2010 Sport Event Planning Promotion and Fundraising Class Dr. Jubenville decided to implement a fundraising component that tied directly to the knowledge base discussed within the course. 

Dr. Jubenville decided to transition his class from learning technique, facts and procedures to a project that allowed each student to watch the material come to life, learn to lead and learn to solve problems and make decisions. 

The initiative raised over 1,000.00 dollars and was a great experience for those students who decided to engage the opportunity to sell themselves, the program, and a unique product.

Winning the first place prize of the "University of Alabama Rocky Block" print during Monday's drawing was Jim Raviele. Receiving the second prize of the University of Florida print was sport management student Brittany Evans.  

"I would like to thank Doug Hess who continues to be a supporter of the program and those students who made a commitment to themselves and the program," said Dr. Jubenville. "This support will be committed to projects that will position the program for long term, purposeful growth."

Receives Promotion with Predators

The Nashville Predators have promoted Paige Ciuffo, MTSM 2006, to Premium Service Representative. New duties include directing the exclusive inner circles of season ticket holders on the first and second rows of the arena at Bridgestone.

Managing such relationships is crucial in the development of the Nashville Predators most influential fans and premium seat packages.

"I am excited to take on this challenge because it's an opportunity to become more creative with our approach to ticket fulfillment," said Ciuffo.

Ciuffo previously served as the fan relations coordinator and has worked with the Predators since graduating from the program in 2006. She continues to acknowledge the importance of working from the bottom up in and ever-growing sport industry.

John Peterson has been hired as the new assistant coach for the Eastern Kentucky University baseball program, head coach Jason Stein announced on Tuesday. Peterson joins the Colonels after spending the last three seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at Middle Tennessee State University.

His duties at EKU will include working with catchers and hitters and assisting with recruiting. He will also serve as the EKU baseball camps director.

"John brings a wealth of knowledge to our baseball program," Stein said. "He has won championships and he knows what it takes to be a consistent NCAA regional participant. He is an excellent teacher and communicator, and he will work tirelessly at developing our student-athletes and assisting in recruiting quality student-athletes into our program."