University of Arkansas students interested in learning more about what it's like to work in college athletics or the sports industry are invited to join weekly "Razorback Chats" beginning Tuesday, Feb. 2.

The virtual series (via Zoom) will kick off with guest Taylor McGillis, who oversees the Razorbacks' marketing team. He'll discuss his career path, current role, challenges and marketing-related trends in the industry.

The chats are hosted by master's students in the Recreation and Sport Management program's capstone course (RESM 5853) in the College of Education and Health Professions. This serves as a transitions course as students transition out of the degree program and into professional roles. 

Professor Craig Schmitt said the Razorback Chats project is allowing his students to interact with leaders in the industry and to better understand how concepts from their courses play out in the real world.

"My students are also excited to give back, by providing other students the opportunity to connect with professionals in the industry," he said.

The first five chats will be with representatives from the U of A athletic department. The last three guests have not yet been determined. Primary topics are noted in parentheses:

• Taylor McGillis (Marketing) Tuesday, Feb. 2; 11:30 a.m. - noon
• Jon Fagg (Social Issues in Sport) Tuesday, Feb. 9; 11:30 a.m. - noon
• Hunter Yurachek (Leadership) Tuesday, Feb. 16: 11:30 a.m. - noon
• TBA (Finance) Tuesday, March 9; 11:30 a.m. - noon
• Matt McCoy (Legal Aspects) Tuesday, March 16; 11:30 a.m. - noon
• TBA (Topic: TBA) Tuesday, April 6; 11:30 a.m. - noon
• TBA (Topic: TBA) Tuesday, April 20; 11:30 a.m. - noon
• TBA (Topic: TBA) Tuesday, April 27; 11:30 a.m. - noon

Use this link to sign up for the first Razorback Chat of the semester: https://forms.gle/rUPSBx4MPpMGPNWd9. Email Craig Schmitt at cs098@uark.edu with any questions.