Historically Black Morgan State University is partnering with the National Football League (NFL) to launch a data analytics initiative and a career development program, the university shared in a recent press release.
The newly created Data Analytics Education and Research Initiative at Morgan State will provide students with opportunities to conduct in-depth research on sports, e-sports, fintech and related business areas by using different data analytics tools. The program will also offer educational boot camps in data analytics and data visualization. Morgan State’s new initiative will be managed through its Center for the Study of Blockchain and FinTech (The FinTech Center) at the Earl Graves School of Business.
“We are excited that our partnership with the NFL highlights the increasing need to train data analysts,” said Dr. Ali Emdad, associate dean of Morgan State’s school of business and management and founding director of the university’s FinTech Center, in a statement. “Training through Morgan’s National FinTech Center will help students learn how to use data and build the skills to deliver practical analysis and leadership based on the next generation of analytical methods. We believe the initiative lays the foundation for a strong partnership with the NFL and will help develop diverse talent in data analytics.”
AfroTech previously reported on Morgan State opening the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) fintech center for students, which launched its first round of classes in February. The center is dedicated to studying blockchain, cryptocurrency and the digital finance industry.
Morgan State and the NFL are also launching the Campus Connection program in conjunction with this new research opportunity. This initiative will provide students with programming and support to prepare them for careers in professional football administration. The NFL will support Morgan State’s career development opportunities, including career fairs and case study programs. Students will also be able to participate in the NFL’s Experienceship program, which gives selected students a chance to engage in networking opportunities and other programming at NFL events.
This new partnership comes as part of the NFL’s ongoing commitment to invest in programming at HBCUs to expand access to students.
“The ongoing NFL-HBCU partnership continues to expand student opportunities through resourcing infrastructure enhancement, academic support, and the student-athlete experience,” said Troy Vincent, senior executive vice president of NFL Football Operations, in a press release. “The Morgan State partnership and the Campus Connection initiative is critical for identifying, developing, and exposing the next generation of sports leaders.”
