Aug. 21, 2025
Classroom to Careers: Ferris State student Vivian Burns gaining skills at the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Ferris State University sophomore Vivian Burns never imagined a summer internship would land her on court with a Grand Slam champion and a Hollywood actor.
Yet this week, as part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s pre-induction festivities in Newport, Burns will be trading practice rallies with former world No. 1 Andy Roddick and “The Office” star Angela Kinsey at one of tennis’s most historic venues.
For a 19-year-old Professional Tennis Management Program student from Michigan, it’s a grand slam finish to an internship that already exceeded expectations.
“It’s honestly the best job ever,” said Burns, who plays on Ferris State’s women’s tennis team and hopes to pursue a career as a coach, trainer and manager.
All summer, she’s been on the courts eight hours a day, teaching lessons and helping at camps and clinics. In recent weeks, she’s helped the Hall of Fame team prepare for its big weekend.
“It’s like a dream come true and I feel so lucky to be here,” she said.
Burns is one of three interns at the storied facility.
“(PTM Director) R.J. Tessier and I are very proud of Vivian and her accomplishments after one year in the PTM program,” said Michael Janz, PTM assistant director.
Ferris State has earned a national reputation for its Professional Tennis Management program — and internships like this one serve as a bridge between the classroom and the court.
Established in 1986 at Ferris State, the four-year, Bachelor of Science in Business program was the first in the nation to integrate essential business administration with specialized tennis industry expertise.
Summer internships are a key component of the program. Students must complete three internships at country clubs and tennis facilities around the United States, allowing them to practice and apply their knowledge in a real-world environment.
But few get the chance to step onto the courts with celebrities.
Burns said Newport has been buzzing for weeks in preparation for the 2025 induction celebration, which runs Thursday through Saturday.
On Friday, Hollywood and tennis collide for the Hall of Fame Celebrity Pro Classic. Stars Kinsey and Uzo Aduba will take to the court with Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, and Bob and Mike Bryan. Celebrities and Hall of Famers will play multiple matches of mixed doubles.
Burns is happy to play her own role in the weekend’s events.
“With Angela, it’ll be singles and more just to get her ready for her event on Friday at the Celebrity Pro Classic. With Andy, it’s a part of Fan Fest where we do a bunch of different on-court games with the pros and kids,” she said.
The highlight of the weekend will be Saturday’s 6 p.m. induction ceremony honoring five-time major champion Maria Sharapova and doubles legends the Bryan brothers.
For Burns, it’s a chance to witness history.
Burns grew up in Battle Creek and played singles for four years on Pennfield High School’s women’s tennis team until she graduated in 2024.
She wasn’t sure she’d play at the college level until Ferris State Women’s Tennis Coach Mark Doren spotted her at a summer tennis camp in Big Rapids.
“Coach Doren approached me and said, ‘You have a great attitude and you work hard. If you want to play for Ferris, I’ll have a spot for you,’” she said. “I’d already done a bunch of research about the PTM program at Ferris, so it was really a perfect fit.”
Burns is gaining skills for a growing field. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11 percent growth for entertainment and recreation managers, including those in tennis management.
Burns is looking forward to three more years at Ferris, hoping to land other internships that give her a feel for all aspects of tennis management. Her long-term goal is to run a tennis facility.
“But I know for sure I want to keep coaching,” she said. “I love working with people, helping them understand themselves and the sport, and helping them become better tennis players and grow.”
— The 2025 International Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be broadcast live in the United States at 6 p.m. on Aug. 21 to 23 on tennischannel.com or the Tennis Channel app.