Jayce Pendergrass

Jayce Pendergrass is a sport management major from Mount Vernon, IA

Hometown: Mount Vernon, IA

High School: Mount Vernon High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2027

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I have changed my career path and what I’ve wanted to do many times. For a long time, I wanted to work in the auto industry, mainly focusing on vinyl wraps and tints. I also had a brief stint of wanting to be a flight attendant or possibly an airline pilot, because of my love for flying and travel. One time when I was travelling as a kid, the pilot asked if I wanted to sit in his seat in the cockpit! It was such a cool experience, and the pilot’s kindness led me to think about following his career path. But the path I am currently pursuing is working in sports.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in sport management. I chose this specific major because of my deep love for and interest in sports, and I feel as though it will help prepare me very well for my future working in athletics, whether collegiate or professional. I’ve been around sports my whole life, including playing them myself and supporting my brother when I was younger. Being around sports gives me a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie that I really like.

Have you conducted an internship? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes, my internship was this past summer, from the beginning of July to the end of August. It was with the New York Jets in Florham Park, New Jersey, working as a training camp intern in equipment. I accepted the position after applying for it on the AEMA (Athletic Equipment Managers Association) website, with the help of my boss at the NIU football equipment office, because he has great connections there and was willing to help me out.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
I want to pursue football equipment as a career post-graduation, either at the college or professional level. This internship significantly helped with that goal because I was able to get hands-on experience working in professional football and see how it differs from college football, specifically here at NIU. The culture and people at the Jets are also fantastic and will be great connections for me in this field. Another thing the internship helped prepare me for was the time and effort it requires to maintain everything at a professional level, which is much more than the amount of time a student spends working on it in college.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
At first, campus seemed split up and spread apart to me, but I have now realized I like how it is set up, such as the way that most classroom buildings are grouped together by major/type of class taught in each. It is also nice that most of the dining halls are close to each other, so if you want to eat at a different dining hall, you have options that aren’t far away. If your friends are in a different dorm from you, that doesn’t mean you will be all the way across campus from them, because a few dorm buildings are right by each other. A couple more things: It is nice to be near the Chicago area because you can go spend a day in the city whenever you want, and the professors here are some of my favorite teachers I’ve ever had.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
There have been a couple of different ways I met my best friends. I met them in class, through the club I’m part of and through my football equipment job. In class, people tend to sit in the same spots. So, when working on projects, it’s super easy to ask the person you’ve sat next to all semester if they want to work together, then you just get to know each other. Another way is from the icebreakers that some professors do at the beginning of the semester. While they may seem silly and boring, it’s a great way to get to know the people in your class and meet people who share your hobbies and passions. Being involved and doing things outside of class and schoolwork is a great way to meet new people.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I am on the executive board of the Signing Huskies, the ASL club on campus. While not being the best at signing, I love the message of our club and want to spread the importance of deaf culture in everyday life. It has added to my experience as a Huskie because it gives me a sense of belonging, as I am actively staying involved in life outside of just academics and being a student. Another thing I am involved with on campus is NIU Athletics, as an equipment manager for the football team. In addition to that, I am the treasurer of the Huskie Sport Association, formally known as the Sport Management Club. Participating in this club, I am able to strengthen my leadership skills and broaden my sport management knowledge. Lastly, I am a photo journalist for the Northern Star, continuing my love for photography and journalism.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The sport management faculty in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education has been a tremendous help in a couple of ways. Every professor I’ve had wants the best for us students. They're great at answering all the questions you may have, and they respond to their email quickly. My advisor is also fantastic; he knows exactly what classes I need to take to stay on track to graduate when I want to. The Department of Police and Public Safety is fantastic. I see them everywhere, all over campus every day. Whether it’s at the student center, dining halls or just driving around, they’re always so nice and kind, while also being very willing to answer any questions you have for them. They do a great job at making me feel safe all the time.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Two of my favorite professors have been Professor David Serowka and Dr. Farah Ishaq, both from sport management. They have been a tremendous help in getting a head start on my future from the very beginning, and I want to thank them for their help and support. Just a few of the courses they teach are Introduction to Sport Management, Sport Event and Facility Management and Administration of Intercollegiate Athletics.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By attending class regularly, I have a better relationship with my professors. I am also able to retain more of what is being taught because I am hearing it directly from the professor. In addition, collaborating with my classmates helps me understand topics from different perspectives.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The student lounge in Anderson Hall is easily one of my favorite spots on campus. It is in the same building as most of my in-person classes, and it is a nice, quiet space. Another reason is that there are high-top tables, regular tables and comfortable seats to choose from, depending on where I feel like sitting each day. A second place I like is the student center, because there are so many different spots I can go to that are quiet and more secluded.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
You might be hesitant about going somewhere new because you don’t already know people there, but you will find your people and great friends no matter where you go. Something else I would recommend is to look at what you could involve yourself with on campus, like clubs, activities or intramurals, to see if you could picture yourself there. Also, think of a second major you may want to pursue, and see what schools have more than one field you are interested in. Just because you think you know exactly what you want to do now doesn’t mean it can’t change. While I haven’t changed my major and don’t plan on it, plenty of my friends have. It’s always smart to have a back-up plan.

Why is a college education important to you?
It proves to me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. If I think I can do it, I can. The experience of being in college provides for a good time and fun memories while opening up job and internship opportunities. It helps me gain networking and connection skills necessary for my future and prepares me for the working world.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I make sure to work ahead when I’m able so schoolwork doesn’t pile up, and if I’m at work longer than I had thought I would be, it doesn’t impact my homework schedule at all. Another reason I like to work ahead is that if something comes up with friends, I can go hang out with them rather than stay in and do homework. If I have a lot of things to do, I create a list and schedule things out so I can visualize exactly what I need to get done and when. My family typically visits on football game days, so I make sure to have any schoolwork done so I can spend time with them.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
The number one way I stay informed about events around campus is through Instagram and the NIU student involvement account, along with Campus Activities Board (CAB). Other than through Instagram, flyers throughout campus also help me stay in the know about what’s going down and when. Also, I make sure to keep up with checking my email, so if anything is sent to me, I know when it is first sent out, rather than later or after the event has happened.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Sometimes I simply just sit in my room and watch a show or sports, but other times I take a walk, either around campus or to watch the sunset. I really just spend time in nature, because it’s quiet and peaceful.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am a student equipment manager for the NIU football team, which is a great experience because the staff are all such great people, and it’s such a great experience to have for the future. Some of my favorite hobbies include taking pictures and having good times with my friends. I also love to watch sports, especially football, and I really like cars and motorcycles. I also love traveling. Seeing different cultures and having new experiences is a big part of my life, as it opens my eyes to a different way of seeing the world.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I’ve loved my time and experience here so far, and I can't wait to make more great connections and memories.