Courtney Keller prepares for future through sports and recreation administration program
Courtney Keller grew up around sports and other recreational activities, and some of her best memories as a child involve playing softball, basketball and soccer. So when it came time to choose a career path, it’s no surprise that she decided to take a look at the sports and recreation administration.
“I have always had many interests and passions, so being able to choose a degree path that allowed me to explore a few different avenues at once was intriguing to me,” said Keller, who is graduating with a degree in the field from the University of Mississippi School of Applied Sciences.
After looking into opportunities at Ole Miss, Keller said she felt like she was at a second home. She especially liked how the school seemed to have a great balance of academics and social activities.
She got involved with several campus organizations, and has been involved with both Gamma Beta Phi Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success since the fall of 2020. Both are service and leadership organizations.
Keller is also involved in many other campus activities. She works for the campus recreation center, participates in intramural sports and enjoys the events the Student Activities Association puts on throughout the year. Keller is working as an intern on campus with Ole Miss Experience, Revel XP. Her responsibilities include sales, events, marketing and social media.
Currently, she is doing a fantastic job with her internship with RevelXP. The sky is truly the limit for Courtney. I can’t wait to see her do big things as she moves forward into her career.”
Kris Brasher
“So far, I have really benefited from this hands-on experience because it has helped to show me the day-to-day aspects of a job in sports business,” she said. “I will also take with me the things I have learned and will put toward my future career.”
Schoolwork has not always been easy for Keller. Her support system of friends, family and faculty has helped her get through those learning barriers, allowing her to thrive academically and socially.
Through her support system and hardworking attitude, Keller earned the Lance Duvall Scholarship, which goes to students who demonstrate commitment to a career in parks, recreation, leisure and/or tourism through academic excellence, leadership and appropriate vocational experiences.
Being awarded this scholarship was really rewarding because Keller feels recognized for the work she has put towards her education and future career.
Keller worked to form relationships with her professors, helping them get to know her better and see the kind of student she works hard to be. Kris Brasher, one of those professors, remarked on how Keller was always an exceptional student in his classes.
“She was always engaged, prepared and active in-class projects and discussions,” Brasher said. “Currently, she is doing a fantastic job with her internship with RevelXP. The sky is truly the limit for Courtney. I can’t wait to see her do big things as she moves forward into her career.”
Keller is working on landing a job in the field and has many career aspirations, including working in football; management of venues that houses sporting events, concerts and performances; national parks; and Olympic and Paralympic venues.
By Lauren Lucas
