Gavin Terry, a sociology student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), spent the summer helping plan Major League Baseball (MLB) events. Terry was hired as an event management intern in May by BaAM Productions, which handles the MLB’s major events planning and execution both nationally and internationally, according to Dr. Suzette Shaw Goldmon, director of UAPB’s hospitality and tourism management program and chairperson for UAPB’s athletic committee.
“Sometimes people think the hospitality industry is limited to food and lodging,” Goldmon said. “However, this Major League Baseball event planning internship showcases the diversity of opportunities in the industry. I have spoken to several officials from MLB and BaAM productions since Gavin began his internship – they have all given him raving remarks about his work ethic, pleasant smile and willingness to learn.”
In June, Terry helped coordinate “MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues.” The event paid homage to Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S. and former home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. Later, he helped plan and coordinate the HBCU Swingman Classic, an annual experience for baseball student athletes from Division 1 programs at historically black colleges and universities. He is currently in Arlington, Texas, working on the All-Star Week program, which includes a range of community, youth and cultural events leading up to the 94th Midsummer Classic at Globe Life Field.
“While on site, I am tasked with moving inventory in and out of different locations, running errands and making sure the zone managers are where they are supposed to be,” Terry said. “It has been nothing but a blessing to be able to perform at a high level and also make connections to further set me up for life after college.”
He said his work with BaAM Productions has provided many memorable moments so far.
“Watching the Rickwood game was unbelievable,” he said. “I also enjoyed meeting celebrities and players such as Albert Puljos, Rajai Davis, Metro Boomin and many others who gave me great advice about being competitive while also keeping my integrity and morals in check. Making connections and staying in contact with people is something that has been emphasized over the course of this internship.”
Terry said that making new connections has never been a problem for him. However, he has sometimes struggled to maintain those connections. The internship has offered insight into how to network, grow and develop professional relationships.
“Being in control of my emotions, pushing through adversity and understanding the meaning of teamwork have been other big takeaways from this experience,” he said. “Being in the project management business has helped me not only practice these skills, but also become a better leader both on and off the baseball field.”
Chris Robinson, UAPB vice chancellor of intercollegiate athletics, said it is encouraging to see one of UAPB’s student-athletes shine on a major stage.
“I am not referring to the on-the-field success, I am referring to the actions of Gavin Terry while interning with MLB,” he said. “While supporting our student-athletes on the field, Gavin also shined off
the field. Internships and opportunities such as this continue to provide a great opportunity for our talented students to showcase their talents. Gavin Terry definitely represents us well.”
Carlos James, former head coach of the Golden Lions Baseball program, said Terry’s internship is a great success for UAPB.
“Over the years, we have had a few students obtain opportunities with MLB, whether it be on the field, as with Brailen Hence with the Los Angeles Dodgers, or Adam Graham, who currently works with the Frisco Roughriders (Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers) doing front office work capacity. Our program will be forever grateful for MLB and its diversity pipeline as it gives our guys like Gavin the chance to stay in the game long after their playing career ends.”
Shane Youman-Osuoha, UAPB assistant pitching coach and co-recruiting coordinator, said he helped recruit Terry for the internship opportunity because of his interest in working in baseball as a career after his playing career is complete.
“Gavin was immediately interested and excited about the opportunity when it was presented to him in late March,” he said. “He was determined to apply and worked hard to perfect his application. This preparation was another indication to me he was not only a good fit, but ready to work. Because his energy level is parallel with what is necessary to be successful in major event planning, I knew he would do well if he received the unique opportunity.”
Youman-Osuoha credits the success of the internship program to Dr. Goldmon, her love for the game of baseball and her passion for helping students grow and find opportunities. Earlier this year, he and Dr. Goldmon organized a career symposium with the St. Louis Cardinals for UAPB baseball players
and hospitality and tourism management students. That project helped open the doors for UAPB students to pursue internships with MLB.
“When it comes to UAPB, Dr. Goldmon’s relentless work has put the university on the map with Major League Baseball at a time when diversity, equity and inclusion is at the forefront,” Youman-Osuoha said. “Because of this, hopefully UAPB will be one of the first on the list when MLB is looking for students to help with their initiatives and to offer careers to.”
Expanding opportunities for UAPB students of hospitality and tourism management
Dr. Goldmon said UAPB’s collaboration with MLB grew from her desire to assist hospitality students and graduates obtain meaningful career opportunities. She polled her students and read reports of the type of jobs young professionals are interested in. They responded that they want high-level exposure and well-paying jobs with good benefits. She then started brainstorming ways to foster collaborations with large, multi-faceted organizations, including MLB.
“Hospitality is so diverse – it is comprised of marketing, sales, finance and accounting, legal issues, tourism, event planning, globalization and entrepreneurship,” she said. “With this in mind, the MLB and each subsidiary organization include all those dimensions of hospitality. I began by contacting coach Youman and then reached out to multiple sources until we were acknowledged and given an opportunity to make a pitch about our students’ need for meaningful development opportunities.”
When Dr. Goldmon was contacted in regard to MLB’s annual internship, she presented the opportunity to hospitality and tourism management majors and those interested in a minor in the field.
“Gavin was a perfect fit for the program,” she said. “He has an interest in event planning, and in particular, in sports tourism and sporting events, which fall under the umbrella of hospitality. He is also
considering pursuing a minor in our program. Gavin’s passion came through in a strong way when I assisted him with this application, cover letter and interview preparation. His acceptance and subsequent success as an exceptional intern for MLB is an example we can highlight in to recruit additional students to our program.”
For more information on UAPB’s hospitality and tourism management program, contact Dr. Goldmon at [email protected] and visit https://uapb.edu/academics/agriculture/department-of-human-sciences/#hospitality-and-tourism-management.
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