Glenn Gerstner '81SVC

Prof. Glenn Gerstner '81SVC exemplifies the focus on teaching that distinguishes the St. John's experience.

As Director of the Graduate Sport Management Program and Chair of the Hospitality, Tourish and Sport Management division in the College of Professional Studies, Prof. Gerstner still teaches classes in sport finance and the economics of sport, which he made mandatory for all sport management majors.

His love of teaching is evident in all his classes, as is his affection for St. John's — he is a graduate as well as a professor.

“My experience as a St. John’s student has been invaluable to my role as professor and chair," he noted. "Working with students is something I enjoy and look forward to each and every day.”

Prof. Gerstner was drawn to the classroom after accepting an offer to teach an undergraduate finance course while pursuing his M.B.A. at Hofstra University. "After two weeks," he recalled, "I realized what my new career path should be.”

Though still young, the graduate program in Sport Management already has successful alumni working at some of the top organizations in the sports industry, including the BIG EAST Conference and New York Islanders.

Prof. Gerstner teaches the importance of networking and reaching out to established professionals. He believes this is the key to success in any field, and the reason why so many of the program's students quickly find highly coveted positions.

“I tell my students that 95 percent of the people they meet will be willing to help them out," he said. "All they need is to ask."