by Abigail Fletcher
Oklahoma Baptist University offers a variety of hands-on learning experiences for its students, giving them opportunities to learn not just in the classroom but also in the fields they hope to pursue after graduation. These experiences allow students to apply what they learn in real-world environments while also building connections with professionals who are already working in those industries. One recent opportunity was given to students in the Strategic Communication in Sports class within the university’s Communication Studies program.
Students in the course were able to attend the NBA matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center. While attending a professional basketball game is exciting on its own, the experience offered much more than simply watching the game from the stands. Before tipoff, students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena’s communications and broadcasting operations, allowing them to see firsthand how a professional sporting event is produced and shared with audiences both inside the arena and across television broadcasts.
The tour provided students with valuable insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes during a live sports event. From broadcasting production to media coordination, students were able to observe how different roles work together to create the final product fans experience on game day. Opportunities like this help students understand what careers in sports communication might look like while also giving them the chance to start building connections with professionals in the industry.
Matt Wells, Director of Broadcasting Production for the Thunder, led part of the experience by guiding students through a mobile broadcasting unit located beneath the arena. Inside the unit, students were able to see the complex equipment and technology used to run the broadcast for a professional NBA game. Multiple monitors displayed camera feeds from around the arena, while producers and technicians coordinated graphics, audio, instant replays, and camera angles in real time.
For students interested in broadcasting, media production, or sports communication, being able to step inside the control center of a professional sports broadcast was a unique and exciting opportunity. Seeing how many people and how much technology it takes to produce a single game helped students better understand the teamwork and preparation required for careers in this field. It also gave them a better picture of what their future jobs could potentially look like after graduating.
Experiences like this are one of the many reasons students appreciate the opportunities offered through Oklahoma Baptist University. The university places a strong emphasis on preparing students not only academically but also professionally. Through networking events, guest speakers, internships, and experiential learning opportunities, students are able to gain practical knowledge that prepares them for life after college.
The Communication Studies department, in particular, works to create opportunities that connect students directly with industry professionals. By bringing guest speakers into the classroom and organizing experiences like the Thunder game tour, the department helps students expand their networks while also gaining valuable advice about entering the workforce.
For the students in the Strategic Communication in Sports class, the trip provided both an exciting experience and a meaningful learning opportunity. Not only were they able to enjoy an NBA game, but they also walked away with a better understanding of the careers available within sports communication and broadcasting.
Ultimately, experiences like this reflect one of the core goals of Oklahoma Baptist University: equipping students with the knowledge, experience, and connections they need to succeed after graduation. By combining classroom learning with real-world exposure, OBU continues to help students confidently step into their future careers.
