• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

How an Online Program is Helping Make Dreams Come True

Bashore, seen here running a boxing event, used his time with UOnline to refine his skills (Photo via UOnline)

*UOnline is a proud partner of Front Office Sports

Stephen Bashore is living proof that being a part of the prestigious University of Miami community does not require you to live or go to school in Coral Gables. In fact, Bashore grew up in Oklahoma and still lives there, where he is the general manager of the Buffalo Run Casino and Resort—in the city of Miami, Okla. Coincidence? Maybe not.

Bashore grew up cheering for the University of Miami’s athletic teams and has always considered himself a “Cane at heart.” In 1999, he wanted to take correspondence courses through UM, but the school did not offer at the time. In May 2016, his dream came true as he earned his Master of Education – Sport Administration as a member of the first class of UM’s UOnline graduate degree program.

[the_ad id=”13162″]

Thanks to the degree program being entirely online, UOnline has been able to open up new opportunities for graduate students everywhere who wish to benefit from UM’s well-respected academics and history, but may not be able to attend classes at the Coral Gables campus.

While the convenience of the online degree program was a great fit for a busy professional like Bashore, he believes the networking opportunities it provided were vitally important. He encourages students to attend conferences such as UM’s annual Sport Industry Conference, to meet industry leaders and make in-person connections.

For Bashore, social media is not a replacement for human interaction.

“There is no substitute for being yourself and having meaningful personal interactions with your professors, your peers, potential employers, etc.,” he explains. “Be able to have that mentality and drive to initiate conversations and build those relationships and networking opportunities. That’s my best advice.”

Bashore is also one of the founding members of the University’s new Sport Industry Leadership Council (SILC), the brainchild of Professor Warren A. Whisenant, Chair of the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences.

[the_ad id=”13444″]

Bashore was not only honored to be a graduate of the Sport Administration program, but also a founding member of SILC.

“Being a part of such a highly respected academic and athletic educational institution is truly rewarding.”

Since graduation, Bashore has been able to extend his experience as a Sport Administration student into his career. He currently is involved in hosting professional mixed martial arts & televised boxing events and many other large concerts at the casino. “The degree has provided a strong framework for event management (outdoor & indoor concerts) including the financial side and requirements related to events,” says Bashore.

*To find out more about the University of Miami’s graduate programs in Sport Administration, speak with an enrollment advisor at 800-411-2290 or visit the site for more information.

*UOnline is a proud partner of Front Office Sports

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
opinion

Steelers Win-Now Mode Is Good News for NFL Media Partners

The conservative “Steeler Way” has finally adapted—and media partners are happy.

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.

Featured Today

Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.
Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena
June 22, 2025

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Sponsored

Temple Takes Your Sports Career to the Next Level

If you want to break through to the C-Suite , Temple University’s Executive Master of Science in Sport Business can help you up your game and accelerate your career. 
Sponsored

Networking With Purpose

Investing in the Ohio University PMSA unlocks access to one of the largest sports business alumni networks in the world.
Sponsored

University of San Francisco Is Your Ticket to the Game

Rated the No. 1 Sports Management program in California, USF has been a leader in educating industry professionals for more than 30 years.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Sponsored

UMass, McCormack Department of Sport Management Introduce Groundbreaking Women in Business Course

UMass’s Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management has announced the addition of a Women in Business course launching Spring 2021.
Sponsored

Sacred Heart University Gives Athletes and Students Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Professor Matthew F. Moran is training the industry’s next generation of exercise scientists at Sacred Heart University.
Sponsored

Ohio University PMSA Prepares Sports Professionals For New Normal

Two alumni of the Ohio University Professional Master of Sports Administration explain how they feel prepared for the future of sports.
Sponsored

Temple’s Sports Business Master’s Program Gives a Sports Media Pro Unique Perspective

Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism & Hospitality Management gave Sean Hanrahan the tools to elevate his career even after 30 years in the business.