A Servant Leader for University Athletes
I had the privilege of photographing TJ Shelton, Director of Athletics for Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
He shared, “I was born and raised in Kansas where life is about sports all the way. I attended Wichita State and earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Sports Administration. I valued the access to higher education through sports. I played football and loved the college sports society. I was obsessed with it!
At some point, I realized that I could work on a college campus get a good education and play the sport that I loved! That realization shaped all my decisions. My career began at Washington University in St Louis. I was there for 15 years. Next, I advanced to Ohio State University where there is high-level, high-expectation athletics. They are the largest and most funded program in the United States. Then I became Director of Athletics at Case Western Reserve University. I just finished my second year.
The thing that has shaped and transformed my life the most is the importance of authentic relationships and networking, connecting on a deeper level. As I’ve networked, I’ve focused on those whom I’ve met and asked myself what made each person successful and how may I emulate them. I believe successful interactions with others help us in many ways. I have quite a list I stay connected to, mentors, former bosses, upper administration, faculty, students, alumni, college sports participants and football players.
When we may have made an impact sometimes, we don’t receive feedback, we must trust what we’ve done. I think in terms of being a servant leader. I work to support and advocate for athletes in academia. I hope they know what I am doing on their behalf. When one of them comes up and hugs me, that lets me know I’m having a positive impact.
I would advise my younger self to have confidence and believe. Don’t be worried if you lack experience. Have a strong work ethic. Find your why and purpose as fast as you can and embrace what it takes to get there. You will end up on the journey you’re supposed to be on and you may get some grace in the process.
I needed an executive headshot to put on LinkedIn. I will also be sharing it with my sisters!
I thought Alissa’s style was amazing. Her ability to connect right away smiling and laughing was part of the process. Her approach and her methods felt uncomfortable at the time. She had me sticking my neck out and taught me little tricks of the trade. Standing there I felt goofy, but when I saw the result, it didn’t look anything like what I was going through and feeling. I said, ‘Wait that’s me?’
My new headshot will be my main executive profile picture. I will use it when I give presentations. The end results were amazing!”