Feb. 17, 2010
1.) Name: Beth Hunter
2.) Current Position & Employer: Assistant Athletics Director/Monogram Club Executive Director
3.) Number of years in current position: 1
4.) Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in college athletics?
Providence College was selected to host the 2000 NCAA Frozen Four while I was working there as a graduate assistant. Having had the opportunity to be so intimately involved with all aspects of the Championship was amazing, and I then realized that working in collegiate athletics would be a great fit for me.
5.) What was your path to working in collegiate marketing?
I was afforded an opportunity to work as a graduate assistant in the sports marketing department at Providence College, while pursing an MBA. Following graduation, I accepted a sports marketing position with the University of Northern Colorado, and one year later, an opportunity in the industry became available at Notre Dame. This summer, I will begin my 10th year with Irish athletics.
6.) Who do you consider to be your role model in this industry?
In my current position, I am no longer a part of the marketing and promotions team. Looking back, however, I always felt my role was to focus on the experience of the student-athletes. In my opinion, all aspects of marketing (attendance growth, revenue growth, in-game atmosphere, etc.) tie back to the student-athletes, and making their limited time as college athletes as rewarding and memorable as possible.
7.) What are your career aspirations?
To become an athletics director
8.) How important do you feel your involvement is with NACMA in terms of continuing to grow your career?
The opportunity to learn from and network with the best in the business has helped me tremendously throughout my career.
9.) What is your favorite memory from your job, or project you are most proud of?
In 2007, I chaired the 35th Anniversary of Women’s Athletics at Notre Dame. The year-long celebration, which culminated with a weekend of events, was a TON of work, but extremely fulfilling.
10.) Were you ever involved in a marketing "blunder"? If so, please explain.
One major ‘blunder’ doesn’t stick out as much as simply mistakes along the way….and there have been plenty of mistakes (i.e. learning opportunities)
11.) Who has been your favorite coach to work with? (either present or past job)
Tough question! I can’t pick favorites!
12.) What do you feel is the most important quality for those early in the profession to posses?
Having a positive and willing attitude.
13.) What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Never take for granted those around you.
14.) What advice would you give to those who are looking to venture into the field of collegiate athletics marketing?
Volunteer and get "real-world" experience.
15.) In your opinion, where is collegiate athletics marketing headed in the future?
It will be interesting to see how major televisions contracts and networks continue to evolve in the coming years - related both to distribution and monetary guarantees.
16.) Who are the people who have influenced you the most?
Too many to name! Easily a dozen coaches and administrators here at Notre Dame, plus many other colleagues from schools around the country. Everyone has a unique style - I try to take bits and pieces of advice from all those I have had the opportunity to work with.
17.) How would you describe your typical work week?
I wouldn’t say there is a "typical" work week for me, which is what I love about my job. Every day brings new opportunities and challenges.
18.) How do you maintain balance between your professional and personal life?
I wouldn’t exactly say I have done a great job here – will let you know when I get it figured out!
19.) What is your favorite NACMA memory?
Becoming a member of the NACMA board. I will forever be grateful for the friendships I have established with members of the board.
20.) What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming NACMA Convention in Anaheim?
Everything!
