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By Catherine Vickers

University Relations

MURFREESBORO – Dr. Tom Collins is in his 13th year as professor of sport management and chair of Sports Studies and Physical Education at Chowan University. Under his direction Chowan is named as one of the top ten promising Sports Sciences Colleges in the USA in Higher Education Review Magazine, September 2024.

“I am a practitioner, not a theorist,” stated Collins. “The Life Skills model here at Chowan falls right into my wheelhouse. We learn by doing, experiencing and simulating real world experiences through case studies and a hands-on approach.”

His skill as a storyteller works well for him as he shares some of his experiences, drawing the listener in with a deep Southern drawl.

“Without the SSPE Program at Chowan, I don’t know where I would be; if it were not for Dr. Hammond, Dr. Collins, Mrs. Eddleman, and Ms. Myers I would have never been able to navigate college and find my true passion in sports,” said Deondre Brown, President of SSPE Club. “Dr. Collins has changed my life more than he ever knows. From all of the college football talks to life advice; he has been there for me as a professor. I loved every class I took with him because it was enjoyable and engaging; he made sure every student understood the material being taught.

“Dr. Collins is one of the best at his job and his networking around all aspects of the sports landscape is incredible,” Brown continued. “I have enjoyed every minute of being in the SSPE Club and working with him to plan events and help grow our department at Chowan. As I finish my final year at Chowan I will miss all of the memories I’ve made with Dr. Collins and the SSPE Department. I am happy to have him as a mentor and friend at this institution.”

Melanie Eddleman, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Chowan University says, “When I was a student here at Chowan, I had the privilege of taking a few sports management classes with Dr. Collins and now I work alongside of him teaching my own courses here in the department. He invests in his students and makes sure they have all the resources they need to be successful. Dr. Collins has such a solid sports background and many, many years of experience in the sports world outside of teaching that it gives him the chance to share that extra knowledge with the class and share his experiences which are always an addition to any class outside of textbook material. He works to make sure that students are engaged in his classroom and keeps up with what they are doing on campus as well.”

Transferable skills are a keystone to Dr. Collins’ methodology. In his Sports Management classes students are taught about the obvious topics of business and sports, but most importantly they know how to manage people and how to communicate effectively. They understand collaboration and technical skills taught in sports management, but all can be applied to any career they pursue on graduation.

Small classes are an asset Chowan offers to his style of instruction, but even with more students, his classroom is set up in table groups enabling teamwork, engagement and cooperation. Dr. Collins says that “we basically all teach by the same book, but it’s what we do, how the instruction is applied, that matters.”

Dr. Collins has a rich history in his field. As the Director of Athletics at Brevard College, he was charged with transitioning the NAIA Tornados into NCAA Division II competition, securing membership in the South Atlantic Conference and re-establishing football as a varsity sport. In addition, he oversaw the establishment of the Tornado Club as a fund-raising vehicle for the athletics program.

Prior to his work at Brevard, Collins spent 11 years at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, serving as Dean of Students and Director of Athletics.

He is remembered fondly by Dr. Shelley Greene, now Vice President of Enrollment and Advancement at Chowan University, from her time as a student and volleyball player at Campbell.

“Tom Collins wasn’t just an athletic director; he was a pillar of support for all of us. His leadership, integrity, and dedication to Campbell Athletics made us better athletes and better people. He always encouraged us to strive for excellence both on and off the field,” Dr. Greene stated.

During that time, he also served as a member of the NCAA Division I Academics, Eligibility, and Compliance Cabinet and chaired the Legislative Review and Interpretations Subcommittee. Collins has broad experience in athletics administration, having served as an assistant football coach at East Carolina University, sports information director at Coastal Carolina University, and assistant commissioner of the Big South Conference.

“We are proud of the work of this entire department, which sheds a powerful light on student and alumni progress,” said Dr. Rosemary Thomas, President of Chowan University.