Rickie L. Spears

• Assist athletics academic advisors and student-athletes with academic advising issues.
• Support special programs and services offered for student-athletes as requested by the Associate Athletic Director.
• Assist the Associate Athletic Director of Intercollegiate Athletics in the planning, organization and implementation of the total varsity athletic program for men and women.
• Assist in the planning of athletic travel, housing, meals, medical examinations and procurement of equipment.
• Meet weekly with students to develop effective academic plans.
• Review graded course work and develop strategies for improvement, as needed.
• Develop strong working relationships with student-athletes that emphasize the value of education; and the development of self-reliance, self-confidence, empowerment, and intrinsic motivation.
• Communicate accurately and thoroughly with athletic academic advisors, coaches, and University support staff.

Oversee all administrative activities of the programs including staff supervision, staff development and customer service maintenance within the Indianapolis area. Developed LA Fitness Corporation training manuals (online events, training, e-learning) line of business, including project management.

Key Highlights

• Innovatively designed a consistent sales and marketing program for corporate operations staff and other cross-functional teams to execute aspects of product development and niche positioning, participating heavily in all process stages - planning, development, design, and brand promotion. These strategic developments lead to substantial increase in projects volume, number of clients, and an increase of revenue by more than 25% each year.
• Achieved number 1 position for Business Operations Grade Card in 2014-2016 (score 99 out of 100%).

• Working with players of different sports and preparing exercise programs for them.
• Designed fitness and nutritional programs.
• Working one-on-one with athletes to create specialized training programs based on strength and weakness.
• Providing expert instructions in building stamina and strength and proper use of equipment.
• Partner with local nutritionist and dieticians and advising players to take a diet program.

Assisted students plan, organized and set career /academic goals. Served on advisory board to make admissions process recommendations to the Academic and Executive Committee and for Phi Beta Lambda. Conducted Financial Aid Workshops.

• Managed financials of athletic department including revenue generation and cost controlling.
• Received award for being the top high school admissions department for fiscal year 2008-2011 (Employee of the year).
• Oversaw all sports events and campus operations for the athletic, fraternity, and volunteering organizations in the Jacksonville area.
• Conduct orientation program for new students with other members of faculty staff.
• Developed and regularly teach a series of classes on "How To Prepare for College" for various not-for-profit organizations whose purpose is to mentor youth.
• Alumni event planning experience including working with vendors and promoters, and community organizations to partner, promote and sponsor.
• Achieved top performer recognition in the Northern California Region for fiscal year 2008-2009.
• Spearheaded campus fundraiser with several community organizations such as The United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the local military base to give back to their organizations and to promote the campus. Worked with local businesses to donate to annual campus scholarship fund.