As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ class of 2024, Andrea Plumser, sport management major from East Windsor, New Jersey has thoroughly demonstrated her excellence and dedication during her time at UD.
Plumser was nominated for this series by Academic Program Manager Cindy Walkusky and Associate Professor of Sport Management, Area Head – Sport Management Tim DeShriver.
DeShriver said, “Andrea has a GPA of 4.0. She is also very active on campus. She has interned with UD campus recreation, she volunteers on the Hen Sports Night student managed TV show, and she volunteers with the UD athletic department marketing and communications area. She also started the UD student recreational lacrosse club and was the student general manager for the Blue Hen Sport Summit that was recently held. She is also a triplet!”
In this profile, Plumser shares her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Plumser: Since my first semester at UD, I have grown into a strong and confident leader and individual. Entering college I had a lengthy list of all the goals I hoped to accomplish during my time here from professional milestones to making forever friends. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew that if I gave it my all, I could accomplish a lot in my time here.
In my time here I have worked or interned in five different areas of the athletic department: Whitney Student Services, Marketing, Communications and Creative Services, Sport Analytics, and Intramural Sports. I am also the executive producer of the sports broadcasting show, Hens Sports Night, and founded the registered student organization, recreational lacrosse. Moreover, I have found a sense of belonging in a variety of clubs and activities like yoga, lifting at Lil’ Bob, rock climbing, and more.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Plumser: The biggest challenges I’ve had to face are developing my own leadership style and skills and learning to deal with difficult people. This has been essential in all my leadership roles as a lead intern, supervisor, executive producer, and club president. I relied heavily on my friends and family, professors, and industry professionals for advice and support. I also always stuck to my values and beliefs to do what I believe is right.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Plumser: My favorite UD experiences have been relaxing on the Green with some friends, whether that’s playing lacrosse, spike ball, volleyball, softball, soccer, or watching the solar eclipse. When it’s a nice day out, the UD community finds its way into the middle of campus and takes in some sunshine. I will sincerely miss walking around to get UDairy on a perfect spring day.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Plumser: Every professor I have had in my college experience has truly cared about my education and me as a person. Specifically, all five sport management professors in Dr. Sarah Williams, Dr. Tim DeSchriver, Dr. Matt Robinson, Professor John Allgood, and Professor Jim Kaden have had monumental impacts on my future. I have to highlight Dr. Williams, who was my first professor and someone I can always count on for advice during office hours. She is also the advisor of the RSO I started, has written reference letters that have helped me get scholarships, and advocated to help get me a job. During my senior spring, I also had the pleasure of working closely with Professor Allgood to put on the inaugural Blue Hen Sport Summit and Career Fair as the general manager.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Plumser: Being a lifelong learner means staying curious and asking questions to continue my education outside the classroom. Similarly, being a “Lifelong Lerner” means connecting with alumni and the Lerner family network.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Plumser: My biggest piece of advice is to be assertive and advocate for yourself. Whatever you are hoping to achieve, just do it and take advantage of every opportunity available at UD. It’s simple in theory, but once you start saying yes and taking chances, you will be amazed by how much you can change your own life.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Plumser: I am excited to continue my career in sports following graduation.