The fall 2016 Bowman Breakfast will take place at Kent State University in the Kent Student Center Ballroom on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Doors open at 7 a.m., breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., and the program will follow at 8 a.m.
The featured speaker is Kent State Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen. Nielsen will speak about “The Game Plan,” Kent State’s four-year strategic vision aimed at enhancing the university’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics’ culture of academic and athletic success.
"This plan lays the foundation for us to make decisions that will enhance our winning and our academic success for many years to come," Nielsen says.
The cost to attend is $12 per person, payable by cash or check at the door only. Invoicing is not available for this event. Reservations can be completed online or by contacting Mary Mandalari at 330-672-8664 or mmandala@kent.edu no later than Wednesday, Sept. 28. No shows will be billed. If you find you cannot attend, please contact Mandalari to cancel your reservation by Sept. 28.
Nielsen joined Kent State as its 11th director of athletics in March 2010. He arrived with a clear vision of making the Golden Flashes among the preeminent athletic departments in the nation. In Nielsen’s six years, Kent State’s athletic department has prospered athletically, academically and in the community.
Nielsen most recently guided Kent State to the 2015-16 Cartwright Award, an honor that the Mid-American Conference (MAC) bestows on a university for excellence in academics, athletics and citizenship. Under Nielsen, Kent State has received this honor three times, more than any other institution in the MAC.
Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in business finance (1985) and a M.A. degree in sports administration (1991), both from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He also completed the necessary course requirements for an Ed.D. in Leadership and Educational Policy Studies at Northern Illinois. At Minnesota State University, Nielsen played football and baseball before becoming a graduate assistant (1989-90) for head football coach Dan Runkle.
Kent State is committed to making its work environment, programs and activities accessible to those individuals with disabilities.
For faculty and staff accessibility needs, contact Courtney Calhoun, director, Compliance, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, at 330-672-2038 or ccalhou8@kent.edu.
For student accessibility needs, contact Student Accessibility Services at 330-672-3391 or sas@kent.edu.
The Bowman Breakfast, a tradition since 1963, is sponsored by Kent State and the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.
