A former Bluffton High School student and Bluffton University alumnus, Evan Skilliter is in his first year as an assistant professor of sport management.
“I tried leaving Bluffton, but I fell in love with the campus,” said Skilliter.
Before coming back to Bluffton, Skilliter was a vice president of operations for a construction company, an adjunct instructor for Bluffton and worked part time for a local TV station, West Ohio Sports Network, or WOSN.
Before Skilliter knew he wanted to become a professor he ran programs and clinics for young athletes at Bluffton Family Recreation.
“I found great joy in connecting with the participants,” he said. “Teaching and coaching felt very natural for me.”
Being a professor was never his plan, but he said he wishes he would have realized this dream earlier in life. Although, his non-teaching experiences in sports works will be valuable as he continues to be a part of the sport management team here at Bluffton University.
One of Skilliter’s biggest challenges on campus: saying no. He has a lot of respect for his community and always wants to be involved in every committee, attend all student and faculty events and be able to check in with all of his students. He said he has had to be selective about his involvement and saying no more times than he would like.
Bluffton’s enduring values of community, respect, service and discovery lead Skilliter to be curious and want to understand the differences within the campus community. He said these differences can lead to the discovery of new cultures, ideas and ways of thinking. Skilliter also said Bluffton is a great community, a great environment and full of people who care about you.
“I am the happiest I have ever been,” said Skilliter.
He expressed the change of driving an hour to work to now being only a two-minute drive to campus. The “family friendly environment” of Bluffton is enjoyable considering when he first started his job at Bluffton University, his daughter Lena had just turned one. Now Skilliter and his wife, a teacher at Bluffton high school and Bluffton University alumna, are able to spend time together even if they are both working.
“My family and I are blessed to live here, and I couldn’t be happier to work at this school,” said Skilliter.
