Alan Ledford | Director of the Master of Arts in Sport Administration / Associate Professor, Wittenberg University

Front Office U welcomes Dr. Alan Ledford.Dr. Ledford is the Director of the Master of Arts in Sport Administration program and an Associate Professor at Wittenberg University, where he mentors the next generation of sports professionals through classroom instruction, experiential learning, and industry connections. Throughout his career, he has built sport management programs, guided countless students into internships and full-time roles, and created opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience at events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, Final Four, and Little League World Series.Growing up in southwest Ohio, Dr. Ledford played baseball at Wilmington College after starring as a pitcher and center fielder in high school. While competing, he discovered a passion for the business and operations side of sports, leading him to pursue coaching, recreation management, entrepreneurship, and eventually higher education. Along the way, he even competed on a national travel wiffle ball team and built a real estate business.In this conversation, Dr. Ledford shares the lessons he's learned from building successful sport management programs, mentoring students, and overcoming adversity throughout his career. He discusses why coaches can't care more than their players, the importance of pushing those who are willing to improve, and how aspiring professionals can separate themselves by building meaningful relationships and treating every opportunity like their own personal pro day.Connect with Alan on LinkedIn