Show notes
Jay Vickers, the Chief Operating Officer for UNLV's SportsInnovation Institute, brings over twenty years of seniorleadership experience to his role. With a diverse skill setspanning management, fundraising, sales, marketing,customer service, grant acquisition, sports health, research,public speaking, and community engagement, Jay hasconsistently delivered tangible results throughout hiscareer.Jay's comprehensive understanding of the dynamics withinhigher education institutions enables him to align externaldivisions with institutional and community objectiveseffectively. This alignment has been instrumental inbolstering revenue streams and fostering collaborativeventures that benefit both UNLV and its surroundingcommunities.Among Jay's notable achievements are securing a $3.25 million appropriation for education,research, and innovation initiatives. His leadership was also pivotal in achieving NSHE (NevadaSystem of Higher Education) approved Institute status in record time, a testament to his strategicacumen and collaborative approach.Jay's commitment to student success and community engagement is evident in his orchestrationof the first fully paid Super Bowl internship for 40 UNLV students. This initiative, in collaborationwith the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee, NFL Foundation, and United Way of SouthernNevada, provided invaluable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in the sportsindustry.As a founding member of Game Changers United, the U.S. Soccer Federation Board for Diversity,Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, he has been instrumental in driving positive change within theindustry. Working alongside the Federation, he has played a crucial role in breaking down barriersand creating a more inclusive environment within the entire U.S. Soccer ecosystem.Additionally, Jay has played a key role in the creation of the inaugural Sports, Entertainment &Innovation Conference (SEICon), scheduled for July 15-17, 2024. This conference promises to be agroundbreaking event, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explorethe intersection of sports, entertainment, and innovation.Through his leadership and vision, Jay Vickers continues to drive the Sports Innovation Instituteforward, positioning UNLV as a global leader in sports innovation.