>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.
Academic Swiss Army Knife
University of Florida Professor
Senior faculty member at the University of Florida, serving for seven years in the Department of Sport Management and Event Tourism, helping shape the next generation of leaders in sport, event, and entertainment industries.
Risky Business — Made Official
Risk Management Course Creator, UCF
Created and launched the first-ever Risk Management course in Event Management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, establishing a foundational program for future event safety professionals.
11 Characters, 1 Game Changer
Animated Course Creator, UF
Created the first-ever animated crossover course for a legal class, using 11 carefully crafted characters to teach perspective. A groundbreaking approach that reshaped how complex legal topics are taught and understood. PC, Jeremey C.
Law, Risk, and No Jerseys
Risk and Legal Certificate Creator
Created a Risk and Legal Certification in UF’s Department of Sport Management, preparing non-sport management students for careers in risk management, law, and related industries in and beyond sports. Learn more
From UF to UCF — and Disney
Disney International Instructor
Served as a proud instructor for the Disney International Student Program at both UCF and UF for over 10 years, teaching future leaders about the business of magic and global hospitality.
Gators Helping Gators
Gator2Gator Program Creator
Created the Gator2Gator program, connecting UF Sport Management students with industry professionals to support student success, career growth, and real-world learning opportunities.
Beyond ChatGPT
AI Innovator, Sport & Risk Management
Integrated AI into the Sport Management classroom through DocBots, applied challenges, data analysis, and future-focused exploration of AI’s role in facility management, risk, and operations — far beyond basic chat tools.
Real Talk for Future Pros
Podcast Creator, Voices from the Field
Created and contributed to Voices from the Field, a podcast designed for UF Sport Management students, delivering career insights and advice from top industry professionals.
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