East Michigan News

Dr. Vincent Mumford volunteered at the Olympic Games in Paris, France, representing Central Michigan University (CMU) as an ambassador of the sport management program. This marks his first time at the Olympics, where he observed athletes from around the world and noted the humanitarian and economic impacts of sports.

In addition to volunteering and attending events, Dr. Mumford visited cultural sites and reconnected with alumni from CMU's sports administration program. Among them were Ashley Porter, Manager of Operations for the Olympic Games, and Kelly Skinner, Vice President for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

Dr. Mumford expressed pride in seeing alumni like Porter and Skinner in significant roles. He stated that their achievements highlight what can be accomplished with a degree from CMU's sport management program.

Porter focuses on supporting Olympians by providing a comfortable environment conducive to achieving their goals. She works behind the scenes to enhance athletes' daily lives.

Skinner leads a team dedicated to high-performance leadership, nutrition, strength and conditioning, physiology, and coaching. His team aims to improve the high-performance ecosystem by offering funding and scientific support while promoting coach mentorship and well-being initiatives.

Reflecting on their careers, both Porter and Skinner acknowledged they never anticipated reaching their current positions. Porter shared her excitement about meeting mentors at the Olympics and interacting with inspiring Olympians. Skinner highlighted working with top coaches and athletes as a rewarding aspect of his role.

Porter, Skinner, and Dr. Mumford emphasized that CMU students should embrace new opportunities even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones due to the ever-evolving nature of the sports industry. They credited CMU for providing a solid foundation in sports management through hands-on experiences.

Porter mentioned that her time at CMU changed her professional trajectory significantly. Since graduating, she has gained experience in Formula 1 racing and worked for the International University Sports Federation in various roles.