Sean Smith, a military veteran with experience in both the Army and Navy, is pursuing a new career direction through the University of Miami’s online graduate program in sport administration. Smith, who previously worked security for the Las Vegas Raiders, enrolled in January after earning two other degrees online.
Smith highlighted his experience with the University’s faculty, stating: “The big difference to me was the quality of the professors and the standards at Miami seemed higher (than at other programs).” He also noted, “We have the same professors who teach on campus. That makes a big difference. Our professors demand as much from their online students as from any other student in the program.”
Recently, Smith was featured in a VFW Help the Hero fundraising campaign by Sport Clips. The initiative has raised $15.3 million since 2013 to provide scholarships for veterans. On Veterans Day, participating Sport Clips stores will offer free haircuts to veterans and active duty military personnel. “I was honored to be selected and highlighted as an example of who the scholarship is for,” said Smith. “I’m proud to represent the Navy and the University of Miami.”
Smith’s studies have already provided significant opportunities. In October, he traveled to Miami for an internship interview with FIFA related to preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Miami and several other cities across North America. “It was a great opportunity, and it was made clear to me (by my professors) that I had as good a chance as anyone (in the on-campus program),” Smith said. He plans to graduate in May 2026.
Jill Buban, associate provost for online learning at the University of Miami, described UOnline’s programs as especially suitable for military personnel: “As a Yellow Ribbon school and one of the top military-supportive universities in the U.S., we are committed to meeting the educational needs of our active duty military service members and veterans.”
During his visit for the FIFA interview, Smith met with Windy Dees, graduate program director for sport administration at UM’s School of Education and Human Development. Smith recounted: “Professor Dees immediately sat me down and asked about my career goals… It’s also about what you plan to do after graduation.” Dees commented on Smith’s transition from military service: “Sean is talented and driven… I think his work ethic and drive come from his successful military career prior to joining our program at Miami.”
Smith also praised support services available to veterans at UM: “Any time I’ve called with a question, they have been very helpful,” he said regarding Veterans Services Department and Veterans Resource Center staff. He compared this favorably against previous experiences elsewhere: “I’ve worked in VA offices before, and the process can be difficult to understand… The process at UM is very smooth and easy. It’s by far the best I’ve ever dealt with.”
Discussing his ambitions in football management, Smith noted similarities between sports teams and military organizations: “There is a camaraderie that comes with being part of a military organization that also translates into the world of sports… Everyone has a piece of those wins and losses.”
Dees acknowledged contributions from veterans like Smith within their academic community: “We are so proud of Sean and all our veterans that are current students or alumni of sport administration,” she said. “We thank them for their service to our country. Thank you, Canes!”
