Graduation

Well, I did it. I graduated with a Ph.D. and I still can't believe I did that. I know I would not have been able to do this without the support of Kyle, Taryne, Hayden and all my friends and family.

Me and my advisor, Dr. Rob Hardin before the ceremony

Me and My friend Tyler Standifird, he graduated with a PhD in Biomechanics

Dr. Joy DeSensi, basically one of the original scholars in sport
and one of the founders of our national organization.

Just love these two!

What's next? I got a job as an assistant professor at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, OH beginning this fall. We will be moving there this summer and we are all looking forward to the things ahead!

The Defense

So as I previously mentioned, this past Monday was my dissertation defense. Let me tell you that the entire weekend before was crazy. Stressful, crazy. I felt so guilty on Sunday evening because I was a bit snippity the entire weekend. It was the stress. While I knew my advisor would not let me schedule or present my defense if I wasn't ready, but I still felt this big "what if...".

Well, I am happy to report that I presented the results, discussion and recommendations of my dissertation and passed with flying colors! I have some minor revisions from all committee members to do over the next few weeks but that is totally normal.

The relief to have Monday over and done with is huge. I can't even describe how huge it is. I have finally started sleeping through the night again, I don't get as frustrated with little things and I am partly in disbelief. I always knew I could do it, but I always had those small pieces of doubt. I guess that is normal.

It has been a bit weird to have everyone in my department greet me as Dr. Rode this week. I think it will take a little getting used to.

My committee: Dr. Fairhurst (tourism), Dr. Trendafilova (sport management), Dr. Hardin (sport management, advisor), Me, Dr. Waller (sport management) & Kyle

Monday is the big day...

This coming Monday, (March 9th) I will be defending my dissertation. That is the main reason there have been no posts since October. The past three years have flown by and I can't believe I am about to be finished with this program and be "not that kind of doctor, doctor".

The last "big" thing left is to get a job. I have had a few campus interviews, lots of phone interviews and I have only heard back on one so far and I didn't get it. But that is okay, because once I learned more about the position, I did not want to be the only sport management professor in the entire school. Not cool. I have another campus interview in a few weeks. I am pretty excited about the school and there is an Aggie in the department, so bonus.

Hopefully after I get through Monday and the revisions to my dissertation, I can post more.

Thanks for your patience, love and support! :)