Welcome to another episode of On the Move, the podcast from Texas A&M's Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management! In this episode, host Chelsea Reber sits down with Dr. Mark LaSota, Clinical Assistant Professor, to dive into his passion for teaching and his vision for shaping the future of athletics.

Dr. LaSota shares his journey as a professor at Texas A&M and how he collaborates with Buzz Williams, head coach of Texas A&M basketball, to co-teach a unique, hands-on leadership class. This course equips students with leadership skills that are hard to find elsewhere, fostering personal branding and balancing positive and negative sports narratives. Dr. LaSota emphasizes pushing students beyond their comfort zones to ensure their growth, both inside and outside the classroom.

The conversation also highlights Dr. LaSota's innovative teaching methods, including his unconventional use of social media to engage students in new ways. He discusses his approach to student assessments, focusing on personal development and future plans for blending athletics with academics to create well-rounded leaders.

If you're passionate about sports, education, or love hearing new perspectives on teaching, this episode is a must-listen!

Check out more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M: https://knsm.tamu.edu/

Host: Chelsea Reber

Guest: Dr. Mark LaSota, Clinical Assistant Professor in Sport Management, Texas A&M University

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:50 ) Introduction

(00:51 - 02:10 ) Dr. LaSota’s Background

(02:11 - 03:23 ) Determination for Multiple Degrees

(03:24 - 04:08 ) Why Texas A&M?

(04:09 - 07:11 ) Co-teaching with Buzz Williams

(07:12 - 08:40 ) Personal Growth

(08:41 - 14:28 ) Global Experience & Studying Abroad

(14:29 - 16:08 ) Diverse Backgrounds of Professors

(16:09 - 17:20 ) Students Out Of Comfort Zone

(17:21 - 18:20 ) Opportunities For Students

(18:21 - 20:10 ) Advice To Students

(20:11 - 20:43 ) Conclusion