Leadership in Action: A UofM MBA Student’s Mission to Improve College Sports
Master's of Business Administration | B.S. in Sport Management | Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
For John Kersey, the path to graduate school began on the playing field—but his vision for the future
reaches far beyond it. A former student-athlete and current MBA candidate at the University of Memphis, John is leveraging his passion for sports
into a mission: to shape the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics for the better.
From the Field to the Boardroom
John’s decision to pursue an MBA stemmed from his background in sport management and his awareness of how college athletics is moving toward a more professional model.
“I recognized the importance of understanding the business side of sports to effectively navigate the complexities of maximizing resources for student-athletes,” he says.
With experience as President of the UofM Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Chair of the AAC SAAC, and a representative on the Division I National SAAC, John has already been a voice at the table where key decisions are made. His focus: applying sound business principles to create more opportunities for student-athletes and ensuring their needs and voices are heard at every level.
A Vision for Change
John hopes his work will enhance the visibility and representation of Memphis Athletics while creating pathways for student-athletes to grow beyond their sport.
“I want to provide education on how student-athletes can maximize their time at the university—not just in competition or academics, but through personal and professional development,” he explains.
Working closely with his SAAC advisor, he’s helping develop initiatives that empower
student-athletes to thrive both during and after their collegiate careers.
An “Aha” Moment in a Time of Change
For John, a pivotal realization has been recognizing the once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of college sports.
“This is the perfect time for someone passionate about public interest advocacy for student-athletes to make a real impact,” he says. “The future is unwritten, and we have the power to influence how it unfolds—especially for non-revenue generating sports.”
Mentorship that Matters
John credits his college coach, Morgan Wilson, with helping him become the leader he is today.
“She balanced empathy with high standards and showed me the importance of maximizing my time. Her guidance helped me lead my team and all the organizations I’m a part of.”
Proud Moments at Memphis
Among his many accomplishments, John points to three highlights:
- Competing in a national championship where Memphis ranked #6 in the country
- Becoming the first Memphis student-athlete to serve on the prestigious DI SAAC (one of just 32 student-athletes nationwide)
- Receiving an award recognizing his athletic, academic, and leadership excellence
What Drives Him
Graduate school is demanding, but John thrives under pressure.
“I feel a personal responsibility to represent Memphis with pride and contribute to our growth as one of the most respected institutions in the country,” he says.
He draws strength from the support of his fiancé, teammates, coaches, advisors, and the hardworking community around him.
Looking Ahead
After completing his MBA in December 2025, John plans to intern with a law firm before attending law school. His long-term goal is to work in the legal department of a professional sports league or within the NCAA, eventually transitioning to a university role where he can directly enhance the student-athlete experience.
“For me, it’s about creating lasting change,” John says. “Not just for the athletes here today—but for everyone who will wear the Memphis jersey in the years to come.”