Emerging Themes Summit:
The Esports Revolution: Finding Success and Driving Value for the Institution

Moderator:

Neela Patel, M.Ed, Senior Director, Student Centers and Event Services, Rutgers

Panelists:

Michael Fay, Esports Center Director at Rutgers University

Demetrios Roubos, Associate Director, Information Security, Stockton University

Anthony Yang, Executive Director, IT Operations and Digital Communications, Caldwell University

Gain insight from leaders of some of New Jersey’s most successful esports program initiatives. Explore different approaches to the selection of technology, program development, recruitment of athletes and more. Network and technical requirements of implementation will also be discussed.

Michael Brooks, Executive Director, National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE)

Michael will discuss the structure and tools needed to advance collegiate esports in the varsity space including eligibility, path to graduation, competition and scholarships. The presentation will provide an in-depth exploration of the some benefits which can be achieved by launching a varsity esports team, including reputational benefits, increasing athletic participation numbers, additional revenue, and diversity within an institution’s athletics program. Data on positive ROI of esports on student recruitment and retention will also be presented.

Moderator:

Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D., Director and Associate Professor of Esports at Shenandoah University

Panelists:

Alan Ritacco, Ph.D., Dean, School of Design and Technology, Becker College

Zach Harrington, Assistant Director of Esports, Shenandoah University

Christopher Scroggins, Instructor of Esports, Shenandoha, University; Ph.D. (Ongoing) in Sport and Entertainment Management, University of South Carolina

Esports has quickly become more than a billion-dollar year industry.  With such tremendous growth, demand for skilled esports management teams is at an all-time high. Successful esports focused degrees and programs are shown to attract large numbers of students who are interested in the business side of this fast-growing industry.

Hear first-hand from leaders who have developed and implemented some of the first-in-the nation and top-ranked esports degree granting programs. Learn ways which your institution can help meet the growing demand for esports professionals.