Pictured here is the Ferris State Esports Team during the ribbon-cutting ceremony
for the opening of the $32 million Center for Virtual Learning.
Ferris State University’s Esports program is a finalist for four awards, including “Institution of the Year” from a national collegiate esports organization, recognizing the program’s leadership in the field.
The Scholars is a collegiate gaming symposium created by the team behind the Esports Awards, an organization dedicated to showcasing top class performance and innovation from players, teams, media, hardware providers, games, events, and personalities within the esports world.
Ferris State was nominated for Institution of the Year, with Jono Eaton among nine finalists for Program Director of the Year and Kyle Wilkowski among 11 finalists for Collegiate Student Leader of the Year. Online voting runs through Nov. 20, 2023, and available at the Scholars website.
“We have a fantastic group of individuals that are the heart and soul of the program, and these nominations fuel our drive to lead Ferris Forward,” Eaton said. “With over 150 students on varsity rosters and one of the best arenas in the country, our Bulldogs are ready to have the best season yet!”
Ferris State last month unveiled it dedicated Esports Arena – the first purpose-built esports arena built in Michigan – to attract new students interested in competitive gaming, and the careers associated with the growing field.
The arena is the centerpiece of the new $32 million Center for Virtual Learning.
Eaton said the state-of-the-art arena gives production teams enhanced opportunities to gather and present replays during competition and provides space for spectators accommodating 18 participating teams, consistent with the program’s growth goals.
Ferris State University's Esports program is a finalist for forward awards, including
“Institution of the Year,” from a national collegiate esports organization.
Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games, with participants squaring off as individuals or teams. More than 240 colleges and universities are fielding esports teams with more than 5,000 student-athletes, according to the National Association of Collegiate Esports, a Kansas City based nonprofit.
Ferris’ Esports program was organized in 2017, and Eaton said there has been steady growth to reach 500 club members. With the help of assistant Wilkowksi and a group of dedicated students, Ferris has pushed itself to the forefront of collegiate esports.
The university began its Bachelor of Science curriculum in Professional Esports Production in Fall 2022. Eaton said Adam Antor, a leading instructor and advocate for Esports on the regional and national scene, will join program chair Varun Singireddy.
The Center for Virtual Learning also houses the Information Security and Intelligence program and the Digital Animation and Game Design curriculum. Also, it hosts Digital Media Software Engineering instruction and offices for the School of Education and be home to Esports gaming and facilities.