WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Scott Schultz, founder of Ferris State University’s Professional
Tennis Management program, will lead and oversee United States Tennis Association
University. Schultz will be based at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla. In
his previous 12 years at the USTA, Schultz has managed several departments and initiatives,
including: Coaching Education, Youth Tennis, Junior Competition and Community Development.
Prior to joining the USTA, Schultz founded Ferris’ PTM program, the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program in tennis that achieved a 100-percent participant placement record upon graduation. He served as program director from 1987 to 1998, and earned tenure and the rank of full professor, in 1999, for PTM in Ferris’ College of Business. He served in that role until 2003.
“Scott Schultz’s unique background in college education and tennis will provide invaluable experience to lead our efforts in this new division,” said Gordon Smith, USTA executive director and chief operating officer. “USTA University will serve as a platform for aspiring students and professionals to pursue careers in the tennis industry, while strengthening how we deliver the sport as a whole.”
Schultz is excited about the opportunities ahead for him in this new capacity.
“By providing education for students pursuing a career in the tennis industry, USTAU will ensure the development of the next generation of tennis industry leaders in the sport,” Schultz said.
The appointment was part of a broad professional development initiative designed to help prepare the next generation of tennis providers including tennis professionals, coaches and administrators. Titled USTA University, the program will offer curricula in tennis, management, hospitality and sport science. The USTA University initiative will offer online and in-classroom instruction as well as apprenticeships and experiential learning opportunities. The USTA has already developed relationships with five universities and colleges in the U.S. for the program’s launch.
This year, the USTA partnered with two existing PTM programs, Ferris and Fayettville, N.C.-based Methodist University. In 2016, the USTA will expand its efforts to five new programs, including the University of Central Florida, in Orlando; Berry College, in Georgia; and Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix, Ariz.
USTA’s Core Tennis Curriculum is being developed with subject matter experts in education and tennis, including working in collaboration with the Professional Tennis Registry, the U.S. Professional Tennis Association and USTA Player Development. The curriculum will provide the necessary resources and skills to be successful on or off the tennis court.
To further enhance professional development for current tennis professionals and coaches, USTAU will provide continuing education through a digital resource center to access the latest educational and coaching resources. Additionally, the department will organize workshops and conferences to bring providers together for interactive on-court sessions and presentations.