When Justin Barroner watches his students managing operations at the Masters Tournament – arguably golf's most prestigious event – he sees the culmination of a vision twenty years in the making. As Department Chair of Exercise Health and Sports Sciences and a PGA Golf Professional at PennWest, Barroner has built a program that transforms golf enthusiasts into industry leaders. The real measure of success, for him, isn't just a well-executed swing; it's seeing the "light bulb go off" for his students. "When I see that glow on their face, that smile... that's success, and that's something that makes us very proud," he shares.

Barroner's journey began with his own experience in Penn State's PGM program. After graduating and working as a PGA pro near D.C., a desire for further education led him to an MBA program at what was then California University of Pennsylvania. Discovering the university was launching its own PGM program felt like fate. At just 23, he saw a "perfect fit" and jumped at the chance to help build it, drawing on his own education. Twenty years later, that program is like his "fifth child," a testament to his enduring dedication.

The PennWest PGM program stands out for its deep commitment to experiential learning. Students pursue the Professional Golf Management concentration while majoring in Sport Management or can focus on the Golf Performance concentration in Exercise Science, allowing them to tailor their focus towards the business or the coaching/teaching side of the industry. Regardless of the major, students complete five internships totaling 67 weeks – more than a year spent in the field before graduation. Barroner emphasizes that while students "built the foundation in the classroom... they built the house and decorated the house out in the field." These aren't just local placements; students are encouraged to explore opportunities "all across the country and around the world," working at resorts, private clubs, equipment companies like Titleist or Callaway, or even with the PGA Tour. This practical approach ensures graduates are not just knowledgeable but seasoned leaders ready for the industry.

A highlight Barroner points to is the program's decade-long involvement with the Masters Tournament, where students and alumni manage operations and merchandising. Witnessing students apply classroom lessons and internship skills "on the greatest stage in sport" is profoundly rewarding. It’s about fostering what he calls a "servant's heart"—understanding that success lies in connecting with customers and creating memorable experiences. Seeing students realize this "magic and the glue that makes everything come together" at events like the Masters affirms the program's impact. Barroner's focus now extends beyond golf, aiming to embed similar experiential learning opportunities across all programs in his department, ensuring PennWest continues to provide education that truly prepares students for their futures.