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ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Sports Lecture Series Features ESPN Analyst, CEOs, Influential Authors

Free lecture series brings top speakers to region

TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2014) – Influential leaders in the business of sports – the CEO of one of the nation's leading executive search firms, an author, an ESPN analyst, and the chairman of the Women's Tennis Association – are bringing their firsthand sports business knowledge to a lecture series hosted by USF's Sport & Entertainment Management Program Jan. 13 – 16.

Presented by Fox Sports Florida, the speaking series, which is free and open to the public, kicks off at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Jan. 13 with a lecture from Bob Beaudine. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the 4:30 p.m. lecture, where the author of The Power of Who will discuss how relationships are the key to accomplishing dreams. The CEO of Eastman & Beaudine, the nation's leading executive recruiting firm in sports and entertainment, Beaudine will talk about how seeing friendships and relationships as a "network" can lead to achieving career and life goals.

This lecture series features sports influencers covering topics including current sports issues, relationship management and global impact within the industry. Speakers will be available for media interviews before and after the events. Additional one-on-one interview opportunities are available for reporters with advance request. The entire line-up:

, 4:30 p.m., Jan.13, Tampa Bay Times Forum: Although Sports Illustrated called him the "most influential man in sports you've never heard of," Bob Beaudine's name is well-known to all the power players in college sports. CEO of Eastman & Beaudine, which The Wall Street Journal named the "top recruiting firm in college sports," Beaudine is the person colleges turn to when they have a corner-office vacancy in the athletics department. He has placed 33 athletic directors at major universities across the country as well as 24 head coaches in football and basketball.

, 11 a.m., Jan. 14, USF Marshall Student Center Oval Theater: CEO of the Women's Tennis Association, Stacey Allaster will share her insights on maximizing fan experience, securing sponsorships, harnessing global growth and ensuring financial success. As chairman and CEO of the WTA, Allaster played a key role in developing the organization's strategic plan. Since the plan's adoption, WTA prize money has increased more than 70 percent, reaching the $100 million mark in 2012 (including Grand Slams). A Canadian native, Allaster was named to a Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada list and to the Forbes Most Powerful Women in Sports list. Her appearance will include a post-lecture Q&A session.

Andrew Brandt, 7 p.m., Jan. 15, USF Marshall Student Center Oval Theater: ESPN analyst Andrew Brandt focuses on current issues of the National Football League, speaking with more than 25 years of experience in the professional football business. In his years in the field, Brandt has represented elite athletes such as Michael Jordan, Matt Hasselbeck, and Ricky Williams. His experience also includes several years as vice president of the Green Bay Packers, and, early in his career, a stint as the general manager of the NFL World League's Barcelona Dragons.

, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16, USF Muma College of Business Atrium: Co-Author of Zebras and Cheetahs, Colby Jubenville redefines leadership and teaches professionals how to look different (zebras) and stay agile (cheetahs) to survive the business jungle. Jubenville is a professor at Middle Tennessee State University, a former college football coach, and was selected as a judge for the 2013 Better Business Bureau Torch Awards, which recognize excellence in business. He is frequently published in the top journals of sport business and administration and serves on the board of the Southern Sport Management Conference. His appearance will include a post-lecture Q&A session.

While the lecture series is free and open to the public, reservations are required. Guests may RSVP for the any of the events.

The ßÙßÇÂþ»­ is a high-impact, global research university dedicated to student success. USF is a Top 50 research university among both public and private institutions nationwide in both federal research expenditures and total research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation. Serving more than 47,000 students, the ßÙßÇÂþ»­ System has an annual budget of $1.5 billion and an annual economic impact of $3.7 billion. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.