After Deion Deas graduates with a bachelor of science in sport management studies May 3, he wants to immediately find a job in his field and put his heart and his education into excelling.
Striving for excellence is second nature to him, particularly in the sport industry.
“I love sports. I have been involved in and around sports since I was young,” said Deas, of Clarion, Pennsylvania.
He has enjoyed learning with other students in his major, in classes that captured his interest and challenged him, and from professors who made the content even more enjoyable and helped him to understand concepts related to sport marketing, event and facility management, ethics, finances and more.
He particularly enjoyed getting a peek at the inside workings of two professional sports stadiums.
“In my facilities class with associate professor Doug Knepp, I got to walk through the Steelers and the Pirates facilities to see what goes on behind the scenes and what it takes to maintain them, which I thought was pretty cool and amazing,” Deas said. “I was very thankful I got to experience something like that.”
Deas has already begun using his education through his internship with PennWest, helping to set up and do behind-the-scenes work for various Golden Eagles sports events.
His student experiences have helped him move out of his comfort zone, and he has learned the value of time management.
“College has prepared me in being able to handle multiple tasks and being able to overcome obstacles,” Deas said.
His advice to incoming students is to use the college years to prepare for the real world.
“Be open and willing to communicate with professors and others on campus to help you,” he said.
As he moves into his career, he wants to emulate the commitment to others and the positive attitudes exhibited by Rogers Laugand, assistant vice president for DEI student support; and Dave Katis, assistant professor in sport management.
“My long-term goal is to work my way up wherever I am working and to use my potential to its fullest,” Deas said.