Student opportunities highlight Miami-Bengals partnership
University is official education partner of the NFL franchise
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Published
Miami University is the official education partner of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals' home opener is Sept. 14 at Paycor Stadium.
Student opportunities highlight Miami-Bengals partnership
•
Published
As the education partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami University is forging a unique relationship with one of the NFL’s most dynamic franchises.
Chief among the many positive aspects of the partnership – the opportunities open to Miami students. Internships, professional game day roles, on-campus speakers, and more are on tap this fall as Miami begins its first season as the Official University of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ande Durojaiye, Miami’s vice president for strategy and partnerships, is among those excited for what lies ahead as the relationship continues to grow. Leadership meets regularly between the two entities as they continue to look for ways to add value opportunities for Miami students.
“It’s been very engaging on both sides,” Durojaiye said.
Multiple internship positions in corporate partnership sales/activation, member relations, content production, and content photography are or will be available for Miami students through Handshake. Durojaiye noted some of the internships are currently advancing through the process. Many of the internship opportunities are being formed and will be available throughout the multi-year partnership.
The internships range from sports production, corporate relations, media relations, video editing, fan experience, and more.
Students also have a chance to participate as part of the Bengals’ game day operations in roles that include creative, promotions, and event management, as well as other areas.
“There is a lot that goes into a home game for the Cincinnati Bengals. Students will have a robust experience,” Durojaiye said. “This is an exciting opportunity, especially for our students who have an interest in understanding professional sports and professional sports operations.”
The Miami University Marching Band will perform on Sunday at the Bengals’ home opener, while Lacy Eckert, the Bengals’ Chief Partnership Officer, will speak on campus as part of October’s AFROTC Leadership Conference.
Durojaiye also pointed to an upcoming project for Miami Business Analytics students that is planned to focus on Bengals’ ticket sales.
“We want to open up Oxford and our campuses to the Bengals,” Durojaiye said. “We want this to be a place where they can come to regularly interact with our students. It is mutually beneficial in that regard. Staying connected with the Bengals and engaging with them is going to be an added plus for the university.”
In March, Miami and the Bengals officially announced the educational partnership. Paul Brown, founder of the Bengals, graduated from Miami in 1930 and is a charter member of the university’s renowned Cradle of Coaches.
Brown founded the Bengals franchise in 1968. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame the previous year.
“There are deep connections between Miami University and the Cincinnati Bengals,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “As the relationship continues to grow and expand, so will the opportunities for our students. We are honored that we can add to Paul Brown’s legacy of leadership, excellence, and innovation.”
Continuing to collaborate and build partnerships is a core tenet of MiamiTHRIVE, the university’s strategic plan. Durojaiye leads the Office of Strategic Transformation, which was established through MiamiTHRIVE.
“One of the things we’ve talked about with THRIVE is how do we position the university for continued and sustained success? We have placed an emphasis on partnering, collaborating, and meeting the needs of industry, the state, and the country,” Durojaiye said. “The Bengals are a great example of how we can scale partnerships as we look for university-wide engagement opportunities.”
Chief among the many positive aspects of the partnership – the opportunities open to Miami students. Internships, professional game day roles, on-campus speakers, and more are on tap this fall as Miami begins its first season as the Official University of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ande Durojaiye, Miami’s vice president for strategy and partnerships, is among those excited for what lies ahead as the relationship continues to grow. Leadership meets regularly between the two entities as they continue to look for ways to add value opportunities for Miami students.
“It’s been very engaging on both sides,” Durojaiye said.
Multiple internship positions in corporate partnership sales/activation, member relations, content production, and content photography are or will be available for Miami students through Handshake. Durojaiye noted some of the internships are currently advancing through the process. Many of the internship opportunities are being formed and will be available throughout the multi-year partnership.
The internships range from sports production, corporate relations, media relations, video editing, fan experience, and more.
Students also have a chance to participate as part of the Bengals’ game day operations in roles that include creative, promotions, and event management, as well as other areas.
“There is a lot that goes into a home game for the Cincinnati Bengals. Students will have a robust experience,” Durojaiye said. “This is an exciting opportunity, especially for our students who have an interest in understanding professional sports and professional sports operations.”
The Miami University Marching Band will perform on Sunday at the Bengals’ home opener, while Lacy Eckert, the Bengals’ Chief Partnership Officer, will speak on campus as part of October’s AFROTC Leadership Conference.
Durojaiye also pointed to an upcoming project for Miami Business Analytics students that is planned to focus on Bengals’ ticket sales.
“We want to open up Oxford and our campuses to the Bengals,” Durojaiye said. “We want this to be a place where they can come to regularly interact with our students. It is mutually beneficial in that regard. Staying connected with the Bengals and engaging with them is going to be an added plus for the university.”
In March, Miami and the Bengals officially announced the educational partnership. Paul Brown, founder of the Bengals, graduated from Miami in 1930 and is a charter member of the university’s renowned Cradle of Coaches.
Brown founded the Bengals franchise in 1968. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame the previous year.
“There are deep connections between Miami University and the Cincinnati Bengals,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “As the relationship continues to grow and expand, so will the opportunities for our students. We are honored that we can add to Paul Brown’s legacy of leadership, excellence, and innovation.”
Continuing to collaborate and build partnerships is a core tenet of MiamiTHRIVE, the university’s strategic plan. Durojaiye leads the Office of Strategic Transformation, which was established through MiamiTHRIVE.
“One of the things we’ve talked about with THRIVE is how do we position the university for continued and sustained success? We have placed an emphasis on partnering, collaborating, and meeting the needs of industry, the state, and the country,” Durojaiye said. “The Bengals are a great example of how we can scale partnerships as we look for university-wide engagement opportunities.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about MiamiTHRIVE? Visit the website for more information.
