Dr. David Zinn recognized as 2025 recipient of Mary Frances Poole Alston Award

Recognized for his work giving students hands-on experiences away from the classroom, Dr. David Zinn has been chosen as the 2025 recipient of the Mary Frances Poole Alston Award.

Zinn is an assistant professor of sport management in Lander’s College of Business and was praised for his work giving students valuable experiences at major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, PGA golf tournaments and more than 20 other regional sporting events.

The Alston Award recognizes a Lander faculty or staff member who has made an impact on the campus community. It was established by longtime SCETV host Rowland P. Alston in honor of his grandmother, a 1914 graduate of Lander. The award comes with a $1,000 honorarium. 

“Dr. Zinn has provided excellent leadership as the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative,” Provost Dr. James Colbert said. 

“In this role he has secured real-world work experiences for Lander students at regional and national athletic conferences, championships and tournaments.”

Dr. Lloyd Willis, interim dean of the College of Business, said Zinn works tirelessly to provide experiential learning opportunities for sport management students.

“He travels with them all around the country so that they can experience working NASCAR, PGA, NCAA and similar high-profile events,” Willis said. 

“Most recently, he took a group to work Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. His involvement in all these experiences is hands-on, and he goes above and beyond to serve our students. The University and our students are privileged to have him on our team.”

Zinn said it was an honor to accept the award on behalf of his students and the University. 

“I’m so appreciative to work at an institution that values education, that values teaching, that values the experiential learning activities that we try to provide for students,” he said. 

The sport management program has had a lot of growth over the last four years, he said, mentioning it has grown from about 12 students to roughly 100. 

“We’ve been fortunate enough to have the support of Dr. Willis and the College of Business to go out and work some of these events,” he said. 

“The opportunity to work the Super Bowl this past year was a once in a lifetime experience. I’m so proud of the young men and women who have been able to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Photo submitted by: Lindsey Hodges

CUTLINE:  Dr.David Zinn, right, assistant professor of sport management is the 2025 recipient of the Mary Frances Poole Alston Award. He is pictured with Adam Taylor, vice president for strategic initiatives. Photo by Laura B. Wood.