Indiana Sports Corp and UIndy partner to shape the future of Indiana’s sports and events workforce
The University of Indianapolis and Indiana Sports Corp have announced a new partnership designed to strengthen Indiana’s sports and events workforce and provide UIndy students with hands-on opportunities to gain experience with one of the nation’s premier sports organizations.
The collaboration aligns with ISC’s 2050 Vision—a long-term approach to grow the state’s sports ecosystem and establish Indiana as the global epicenter of sports. The partnership creates a natural talent pipeline for the not-for-profit ISC with two guaranteed internships each year to UIndy students, along with additional opportunities for volunteering, networking and professional development.
“Today’s college students are the key to unlocking Indiana’s potential as a leader in sports in the future,” said Isabell Mills, director of UIndy’s sport management program. “By working directly with Indiana Sports Corp, students gain a wealth of experience planning and executing world-class events and building professional skills. By training the next generation of industry leaders, this partnership positions Indiana to be a hub of sports innovation and excellence for decades to come.”
The collaboration extends beyond UIndy’s sport management program to include students from a wide range of disciplines—from exercise science and analytics to communication, business and human resources—who share an interest in the business and management of sports. Through internships, volunteering and other opportunities, students can apply their skills in real-world settings and earn digital badges to showcase on resumes and online profiles, helping them advance future careers in the industry.
“This collaboration builds a true talent pipeline,” said Jessica Sremanak, director of employer engagement at UIndy. “It opens doors for students across a number of majors and degree fields to gain meaningful experience, network with industry professionals and position themselves for a fulfilling career. These skills and credentials will help set them apart in a competitive workforce.”
Indiana Sports Corp, the nation’s first sports commission, has played a leading role in attracting and hosting more than 500 national and international sporting events including Super Bowl XLVI, NBA All-Star 2024, WNBA All-Star 2025, eight NCAA® Men’s Final Fours® and three NCAA® Women’s Final Fours® and almost two dozen Olympic Team Trials. The sporting events have led to more than $5 billion in direct spending since 1979 when the ISC was formed.
“Indiana Sports Corp’s 2050 Vision aims to position the state as the global epicenter of sports in the next 25 years,” said Sarah Myer, Indiana Sports Corps chief of staff & strategy. “Partnering with the University of Indianapolis helps us move much closer to that goal because we believe that if you want to work in the sports industry, the best place to study is in Indiana. This collaboration provides both valuable experiences for UIndy students and tremendous opportunities for sports organizations across Indiana.”
The University of Indianapolis and Indiana Sports Corp plan to expand opportunities for students through new initiatives like a digital badging system to recognize volunteer and event experience—part of UIndy’s efforts to offer microcredentialing that align with today’s workforce needs.
For help in arranging interviews or if you have additional questions or photo needs, please contact UIndy’s Director of Public & Media Relations Dan Klein at kleind@uindy.edu.
