Game-Changer For Stillman Students: College to Add Sports Management Degree

An HBCU with a proud history of championship athletics will add a sports management undergraduate degree program in the heart of college play this fall.

Stillman College announced the new program on Wednesday and said it will offer a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management beginning in Fall 2025.

Stillman said the Tigers can boast an Olympic gold medalist, a Super Bowl champion, championship coaches across all levels, as well as many professional front office personnel and sports agents.

The new degree is the 19th major offered at Stillman and is for students seeking a career in coaching, athletics administration or sports business, the College said in a press release. 

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This new degree comes from Stillman College's School of Education's Department of Kinesiology with support from the School of Business. 

Students will learn about managing players and teams, facilities and equipment, political policy analysis and compliance, and a more-relevant-than-ever course in personal branding through the lens of name, image and likeness (NIL).

“Tuscaloosa is one of the most successful sports cities in Alabama. Adding a BS in Sport Management is a logical step for Stillman College based on the interests of our students, faculty, and colleagues in athletics,” said Tim Williams, Chair of the Stillman College Department of Kinesiology.

In addition to the school's own storied athletics programs, students in the program can earn internships in sports programs across the nation.

Stillman credited both Tim Williams and Carol Williams with the creation of the program - the latter is  Dean of the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, Computational and Information Sciences. They also praised Dr. Sharon Porterfield, Dean of the School of Education. 

“It has been a truly rewarding experience to work alongside Mr. Williams and the School of Education in bringing this innovative program to life. Most inspiring is the promise this program holds for expanding academic offerings and driving enrollment growth at Stillman College,” said Dean Carol Williams.

The press release also said Stillman will form an advisory board to help shape the program’s direction. Those interested in serving on the board may contact Mr. Williams at twilliams@stillman.edu.