>WISDOM
IN SESSION
Turning Lessons Learned Into Lessons Taught
Bridging Learning and Practice
I believe education must connect theory to practice. In my classroom, students don’t just learn — they apply. Through initiatives like Gator2Gator, animated legal courses, AI-driven risk management projects, and real-world site inspections, I challenge students to think critically and adapt to the evolving sport and entertainment industries. My goal is simple: prepare students not just for their first job, but for the careers and challenges they haven't yet imagined.
Experience-Driven Education
Innovating for Impact
From pioneering courses and cutting-edge technology to creating programs that connect students to careers, these milestones reflect a career dedicated to shaping the next generation of sport and event management leaders.
Lessons with a Lift
How rollercoasters affect your body
- Brian D. Avery
Creating this lesson was a thrilling dive into how rollercoasters affect the body—scarier and safer at the same time. It was a blast to merge science, safety, and storytelling for a global audience.
Courses Crafted for
Real-World Success
These courses aren’t just lectures — they’re launchpads. Designed to connect academic foundations with real-world demands, my classes focus on critical thinking, applied risk management, event operations, legal insight, and industry engagement, preparing students to lead in sport, entertainment, and live event industries from day one.
Issues in Sport Law
Part of UF’s M.S. in Sport Management program, this course explores the legal foundations governing the sport industry. Students examine U.S. legal structures, torts, contracts, risk management, constitutional issues, and key legislation, while developing research and presentation skills critical to navigating legal challenges in sport.
Risk Mgmt. in Live Ent. and Sport
Part of UF's B.S. in Sport Management, this course examines risk management practices for live entertainment and sport venues. Students analyze safety, security, business continuity, legal, and regulatory concerns, with a focus on large-scale assembly occupancies exceeding 6,000 patrons, preparing them to manage risk in complex, high-capacity environments.
Hospitality Crisis Management
Part of UF’s M.S. in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management program, this course prepares future leaders to navigate crises in high-pressure hospitality environments. Students learn crisis planning, risk mitigation, response strategies, and recovery practices, using real-world case studies to develop the skills needed to manage unexpected disruptions in a dynamic, guest-focused industry.
Sport Ops. and Facility Mgmt.
Part of UF's B.S. in Sport Management, this course introduces students to the management of sport facilities, covering operations, legal considerations, financial strategies, and evaluation methods. Students explore both traditional and unique facility types, gaining foundational knowledge of management theories, contemporary challenges, and best practices in facility operations.
Adv. Legal Aspects in Sport and Ent.
Part of UF's B.S. in Sport Management, this course examines civil legal issues facing venue operators, talent managers, athletes, entertainers, and patrons. Using a case-study approach, students analyze how substantive law applies within sport and live entertainment, building real-world legal understanding through active review of current and finalized legal matters.
Theme Park and Attraction Mgmt.
Part of UF's B.S. in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management, this course explores the global theme park and attraction industry, covering history, theming, authenticity, planning, and management. Students examine operational structures, industry impacts, and the design and sourcing processes that shape both employee and guest experiences in themed environments.
Publications and Impact
My research and publications focus on bridging theory and real-world application in risk management, sport and event operations, and venue safety. From peer-reviewed journal articles to book chapters and practical guides, this work reflects a commitment to improving industry standards and advancing education
➔ Explore the full collection [here] and discover how research drives practice.
National Risk Prevention and Crisis Management Initiative
Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute
As a member of the National Risk Prevention and Crisis Management Initiative, I contribute to advancing research, consulting, and training efforts that help tourism organizations prepare for and respond to crises. Housed within UF’s Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, the Initiative provides comprehensive risk management solutions to protect visitors, employees, and destinations.
Building Blocks of a Career
A look at the academic foundations that shaped my career. Degrees earned through rigorous study in hospitality, event, and risk management — preparing me to lead in education, risk management, and industry innovation.
Education
2010-2015 (*ACC)
Ph.D. Education
University of Central Florida
Ph.D. Education and Human Performance / Hospitality Education: Event, Tourism, and Attraction Safety and Risk Management (*completed coursework/medical withdrawal)
2005-2007
M.S. Hospitality Mgmt.
University of Central Florida
M.S. Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Event, Tourism, and Hospitality Management - with a focus on Risk Management
2000-2002
Post-Baccalaureate Cert
University of Central Florida
Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Industrial Engineering / Human Factors and Safety
1994-1998
B.S. Leisure & Exercise Sci.
University of West Florida
B.S. College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of West Florida, Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science