WHERE IS OUR FUTURE?

By Monty Jones, Jr.

 Are they in the seats with the connecting desk where we once sat? Are they walking the gum-filled halls we once walked? The students of today will soon replace the storied memories we once had. The question is: will they stay seated at the desk, or will they eagerly wait for a chance to take a leap of faith?

     This industry was not in my initial plans upon entering North Carolina State University. I was first a part of the College of Engineering, undertaking Electrical Engineering. After one semester of sitting behind a computer figuring programming and setting up websites, I ventured into the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management Department. It looked to be more fun as my professor, Kathy Hamilton-Gore, jumped on a table the first day of class and orchestrated the whole class singing, I’m a Little Teapot. It was Sports Management that caught my academic fancy.

     I was one of a select few in this program that was of minority descent and not a student-athlete. In addition, there were not many women, especially those who were a minority. This racial and gender demographic carried over to faculty, staff and other programs.

How do we move forward? 
What is diversity? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines diversity as:
     “The condition of having or being composed of differing elements: variety; especially the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization (programs intended to promote diversity in schools); an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities.” 
     The American Heritage dictionary defines diversity as:

     “The fact or quality of being diverse, difference; a point or respect in which things differ; Variety or multiformity.” 

     The next two years will provide me an opportunity to be a part of the International Association of Venue Managers’ Diversification Committee. Strengthening university partnership is one of our core initiatives this year. We hope to help facilitate better awareness for diversity among faculty, staff and students we partner with in this industry. Race, age, gender, sexual preference and physically challenged are all prime examples of diversity in this industry. We have all noticed diversity challenges whether it is at a regional meeting, Venue- Connect or through networking opportunities. We have an obligation to enrich and enhance the future of the industry.

     When I asked faculty and staff members at various colleges and universities about the diversity of the staff, they indicated they are heading in a positive direction. Most feel they have come a long way as departments grow, some currently having the most diverse staffs at their institution. These diverse backgrounds help to cultivate the student bodies.

     The students are enriched because they have living, real interaction with persons of diversity in their classrooms. Students, when asked, mentioned that when there is diversity among the professors it stimulates the learning environment, and adds a measure of familiarity to the classroom setting as well. There are other opportunities faced by minority students.

     In Whitney Houston’s song, “Greatest Love of All,” she sang the following lyrics,
     ‘I believe that children are our future Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be’

     For our industry, those words hold very true. Even at 31-years-old, I may be considered a child to some, but I am also a part of that future. By strengthening this partnership, it will bridge the gap of the past and will help build our future.

     The article featuring Frank Roach in Facility Manager from June/July 2008 is a good example of what those words exemplify. He wants to know what makes these students tick and know what they want out of life. Students turn around to mention they have learned more from him and are better prepared for this industry. For any student, it is a plus studying with professors who have actually worked events in this industry. Now students enjoy this aspect of professors and instructors with industry experience.

     As we matriculate through our careers in this industry, we will one day be able to look back at the imprint that someone made on our life. We will also look at the imprint we have had on the lives of others. For me, just the thought of this brings a sense of joy and accomplishment knowing that I have had the opportunity to help my future IAVM members. No matter the type of imprint, it will be gratifying to me and to each of us who decide to assist in this process.

     I thank Tom Paquette and Matt Homan of Global Spectrum for taking that chance on me in 2004. The opportunity they gave me has taken me from Columbia, South Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois with VenuWorks and to Augusta, Georgia with Global Spectrum. I hope a small imprint is left with someone throughout my travels, just as many have left an imprint on me. fm

Monty Jones, Jr. is general manager of the Augusta Entertainment Complex, James Brown Arena and William B. Bell Auditorium in Augusta, Georgia. Contact him at mjonesjr@ arccc.com.