UNE Athletics intern recognized as Outstanding Future Professional

UNE student Curtis Shepard (Sport and Recreation Management, ’22) was recently named a 2021 Outstanding Future Professional by the Maine Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD).

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Mainers by supporting and promoting effective educational practices, quality curriculum, and instruction in the areas of health, physical education, recreation, dance, and related fields.

Shepard is currently an intern with UNE Athletics. The Fairfax, Vermont, native spends his weeks managing multiple behind-the-scenes projects to keep Athletics operations in working order.

A few of his responsibilities include scanning and filing waivers and accident reports and inputting scores for Club and Intramural Sports; designing event announcements and managing game day equipment; and site supervision on game days, including greeting visiting teams and their officials, setting up/tearing down equipment, running scoreboards, assisting with game photography, and filling out NCAA score cards.

If that weren’t enough, Shepard also plans programs for the Jr. Nor’easter Nation Kids program, helps manage the Athletics office when needed, completes travel expense receipts, and works with UNE’s athletic director on research projects.

“I am grateful to be recognized for my dedication to sports management by being named MAHPERD’s 2021 Outstanding Future Professional, and I look forward to exploring the possibilities that follow the award,” Shepard remarked.

Aimee Vlachos, Ed.D., CPRP, M.S., assistant teaching professor in the Sport and Recreation Management program at UNE, said she nominated Shepard for the award because he demonstrates leadership skills from behind the scenes.

“Curtis quietly sets an example for his classmates and, in turn, helps them shine,” Vlachos commented. “He will be missed when he graduates this spring.”