An endowed gift to the U of A's Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and its School of Journalism and Strategic Media by alumnus Matt Goodman has created an endowed scholarship for students majoring in journalism at the U of A who demonstrate excellence in sports media.
Goodman, a 2004 graduate of the U of A, was recently named the president of franchises for LIV Golf. Prior to that, Goodman was the chief operating and chief commercial officer for the New York City Football Club and held leadership positions with the NBA, Cleveland Browns, Madison Square Gardens and Mandalay.
"Seeing the robust growth of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media and the U of A sparked an idea," Goodman said. "How do you create a pipeline and resource for students from the U of A who want to ascend to excellence in this [type of] career?"
Goodman credited his career success and the inspiration for the scholarship to his experiences at the U of A. During his time as a student, Goodman worked in sports information for Lady Razorbacks athletics and reported for UATV and The Arkansas Traveler.
"When I look back at all those experiences, it put me directly in the position to get into the industry I'm in today," Goodman said. "My ability to communicate with and lead people — write, speak, work with press — all those things I did in college laid an absolute foundation for what I've been doing these last 20-plus years."
The gift will create the Goodman Family Sports Media Endowed Award, which will be available to junior and senior journalism majors. Because the gift was set up as an endowment, it will be able to support students in perpetuity through its scholarships.
Larry Foley, chair of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, called the gift from Goodman and his family a "difference maker."
"For students planning to follow a career in sports media and administration, Matt is a role model," Foley said. "I've marveled at his business trajectory and what he's accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Now with this gift, he's helping others from his university chart their own paths. I could not be prouder of him."
Goodman said the scholarship's name is to honor his mother and her appreciation for the opportunity provided to him as a student in the U of A. He hopes the gift inspires more students to explore sports media as a career and find a place in the industry that he says is "full of opportunity for anybody."
"The hope for the gift is that it provides resources for the students to become leaders and motivates them to continue to pursue their passion in sports media," Goodman said.
Steve Beaupre, assistant dean in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, agreed and said he is grateful for alumni like Goodman.
"This generous gift from Matt Goodman will create excellent opportunities for our students to pursue sports media careers in a state and at a university that is known for its passionate and loyal fans," Beaupre said. "Not only are we Razorbacks on the field and on the court, but we're Razorbacks in the classroom and newsroom, too, and this gift demonstrates that wholeheartedly."
Beaupre said the first Goodman Family Sports Media Endowed Award scholarship recipients will be selected in Fall 2022. Juniors and seniors pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in journalism who demonstrate excellence in sports media with a 2.5 or higher GPA are eligible.
For more information about the Goodman Family Sports Media Endowed Award or to make a gift to support the college's students, faculty or staff, please contact Fulbright College's Office of Development at 479-575-3712 or fulbright@uark.edu.
Kaleb A. Turner, assistant director of communications
Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
479-575-2130, kat022@uark.edu
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