Dr. Jason Reese, Stephen F. Austin State University assistant professor and sports business program coordinator, will serve as the interviewer for the second installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series, which will feature professional skateboarder and successful business owner Tony Hawk as the guest speaker.
“Tony Hawk’s career goes beyond his professional athletic career. He has been an entrepreneur, philanthropist and innovator in the sports industry. It is an incredible opportunity for students to learn from his experiences,” Reese said.
With varied experience in the sporting industry, Reese continues to spearhead SFA’s sports business program. Prior to joining the SFA faculty in 2014, Reese spent time in marketing and sales for the Round Rock Express, a Triple A Affiliate of the Houston Astros, and in sport facility management. He continues to work closely with industry professionals, consulting for various sporting events, such as ultra-distance trail running and obstacle racing, as well as with businesses in Texas.
Reese earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and master’s and doctoral degrees in sport management from Texas A&M University. His research interests include pricing, sport event marketing, consumer behavior and business case writing. His main hobby is sports officiating, having officiated college and high school football, as well as high school baseball and basketball.
Reese said he is looking forward to interviewing the skateboarding legend and successful businessman.
“Tony Hawk changed the face of professional skateboarding and the whole action sports industry. He also was one of the first athletes to understand he was a brand, something to be leveraged,” Reese said. “His entrepreneurial mindset led to a video game series, amusement park rides and appearances on numerous television shows and movies.”
The lecture series will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center’s Grand Ballroom.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
