March 21, 2008

Amanda Fark, Ohio University - Tiffanne Ryan, MBA/MSA class of `09, was a recent recipient of the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Award. Only six people nationwide received this honorable distinction which awards winners a $10,000 grant to be used toward postgraduate studies in athletic administration.

When asked how she felt about receiving this award, Ryan responded, "I am extremely honored to be part of this group of honorees, and to be selected for this by such a prestigious group of committee members."

Ryan is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University where she earned a degree in sports management with a minor in business administration. Ryan graduated Cum Laude and was on the Dean's list as well as the Commissioner's Honor Roll. A three-time captain of the Southeast Missouri State basketball team, Ryan recently completed a five-month internship with the United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Division before pursuing her MBA/MSA degree at Ohio University. Ryan also has volunteer experience with the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau and the Next Generation Regeneration Collegiate Christian Ministries.

Funding for the scholarship program is provided in part by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA); the Cleveland Cavaliers; Major League Baseball (MLB); the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC); the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA); and Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Ryan is from Newalla, Oklahoma, and is very passionate about community outreach through the impact of sports. Upon the completion of her degree, she intends to become a part of an organization that supports, inspires, and creates opportunities for underprivileged children and families.

Athletics Administration February 2008, Volume 43, Number 1, p. 16