Nathan Kirkpatrick, assistant professor of sports business at É«»¢ÊÓƵ’s Brock School of Business, is currently serving as president of the Alliance for Sport Business (ASB) for the 2024–25 academic year. Founded in 2011, ASB provides a valuable platform for sport business programs housed within accredited business schools. His appointment follows two years of dedicated service as vice president. With a strong background in leadership and a deep passion for sport business education, Kirkpatrick has played a key role in furthering ASB’s mission to promote academic excellence, foster professional development and strengthen a global network of sports business programs.
ASB is committed to cultivating a collegial professional environment by sharing best practices in curriculum development, assurance of learning models, faculty engagement and industry collaboration.
“After serving as vice president for two years, stepping into the role of president has been an incredible opportunity,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’ve had the privilege of leading the Executive Committee and overseeing this year’s annual conference in Oklahoma City.”
A highlight of his presidency has been the opportunity to help fellow educators grow their programs and enhance the visibility of sports business as a dynamic and impactful field of study. “I really enjoy supporting colleges and business schools in their efforts to expand sports business education,” he said.
Kirkpatrick also prioritizes offering practical guidance to students preparing for careers in the sports industry. “Start building a timeline of meaningful work and volunteer experiences that reflect a sustained commitment to the field,” he said. He also encourages students to regularly review job postings to stay aware of the skills and qualifications employers are seeking in the evolving industry.
His leadership with ASB is a natural extension of his work at É«»¢ÊÓƵ, where he remains committed to integrating academic excellence with faith-based values. “Through ASB, I’ve had the chance to connect with faculty across the country and engage in meaningful conversations about the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Kirkpatrick said. “By God’s grace, I strive to reflect Christ in all of my professional interactions. It’s also allowed me to represent É«»¢ÊÓƵ and Brock School of Business on an international stage in a way that, I hope, reflects positively on our mission as a Christian university where the name of Jesus is boldly proclaimed.”
Looking ahead, Kirkpatrick envisions continued growth for ASB, with a focus on deepening connections between higher education and the sports industry. His goal is to ensure that sports business graduates are not only well-prepared but also positioned to lead in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
Through his faithful leadership, Kirkpatrick is helping shape the future of sports business education—showing that academic excellence, meaningful industry engagement and a Christ-centered mission can advance together to make a lasting impact in students’ lives and the world of sports.
