Brennan Berg brings experience from academia, NBA to Ole Miss
Brennan Berg, an 11-year veteran of sports commerce and management education, has joined the University of Mississippi School of Applied Sciences as coordinator of its sports and recreation administration program.
In his first year on the job, Berg aims to update the curriculum to reflect student interest and reflect the needs of the modern industry, as well as to make the undergraduate and graduate programs available to online students.
“Ole Miss has a strong brand and there are likely many prospective students around the world who would like to earn their degree at this university but for various reasons, they are unable to relocate to Oxford,” Berg said. “Having fully online programs, while still having on-campus courses, would attract many students.”
He comes to UM after a decade teaching sport commerce at the University of Memphis. Berg, who has a master’s degree in sport and leisure commerce from the University of Memphis and a doctorate in sport management from the University of Texas, also has worked with the NBA San Antonio Spurs.
He is also leading a research team studying the impacts around state laws for name, image and likeness for college student-athletes and how those laws are being implemented and enforced.
“Dr. Berg has a tremendous pedigree,” said Peter Grandjean, the school’s dean and professor of exercise science. “Not everyone has the vision, capacity for risk-taking and determination to see projects through to completion. These are all qualities of a successful innovator.”
Berg has developed strong industry partnerships and can find unique ways for students to be part of those collaborations, Grandjean said.
“He has capitalized on his excellent education and training during his time in academia,” Grandjean said. “His record of industry engagement, passion for involving students in his work and his innovative ideas are all reasons why Dr. Berg is the right person to lead our SRA program to new heights.”
Berg said he is building new relationships with the Ole Miss Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and local and outside sports organizations.
“Forming such partnerships will allow for enriching learning experiences and internship opportunities for our students,” Berg said.
One of the principal goals in the School of Applied Sciences’ strategic plan is to provide a quality educational experience for students, Grandjean said.
“I am certain we’ll soon have the best SRA program in the country,” he said. “In the meantime, our current students will notice a high level of attention and career development as we build for the future.”
By Cameron Smith
