What It Takes To Run March Madness — and How Purdue Is Training the Next Sports Pros
What It Takes To Run March Madness — and How Purdue Is Training the Next Sports Pros  
Podcast: This Is Purdue
Published On: Thu May 29 2025
Description: In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Jeanne Boyd, executive director of sport management and senior advisor to the provost.  Jeanne is a leader in the sports industry. As the former managing director of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, she leverages her unique experience and insights to pioneer Purdue University’s exciting new master’s program in sport management.   In this episode you will:  Learn more about the role this industry expert plays in an exciting new interdisciplinary master’s program in sport management, which has offerings in both West Lafayette and Indianapolis  Hear what Jeanne has to say about the wide variety of careers available to graduates of this program like sports marketing, venue management, AI and technology in sport — not to mention all the hands-on learning opportunities with Purdue Athletics, Indiana Sports Corp and others  Find out the range of disciplines, from communications to technology to education, that students can specialize in  Discover what makes Indianapolis such a unique ecosystem and the perfect host for large sporting events — and why that’s great for students  Go behind the scenes of the NCAA tournament and March Madness as Jeanne discusses her previous role and everything it takes to put on one of the largest collegiate sporting events of the year  Don’t miss this episode that dives into our new sport management program and what it takes to succeed in the sports industry.