Teaching college classes on a part-time basis can energize industry professionals who enjoy working with students while keeping other commitments. As an adjunct professor, Todd Uglow taught sports marketing, special events management, and other business classes in the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. Now he's moved into a new role, that of visiting assistant professor.
What is your professional background and what led you to UNLV?
My professional background is on the entertainment and legal side (of sports marketing), having represented some of the most well-known celebrity sports figures and brands of the 20th century. I worked on the sales, licensing, and sponsorship side of the business. Upon my arrival to Las Vegas in 2006, I really wanted to have a relationship with UNLV. So I inquired about teaching. The first course I taught at UNLV was sports marketing.
What classes do you teach now?
Special events management, festival & event management, and hospitality marketing.
Why is real-world experience so valuable in the classroom?
I believe if we as educators can weave real-life, professional experience into the classroom lectures, students will understand why they are in that particular class. Furthermore, I believe these professional examples will help students grasp concepts that are often difficult to understand in the abstract.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Florida and subsequently lived in Louisiana, Indiana, and Southern California before coming to Las Vegas in 2006.
What's the biggest challenge in your field?
I would say it's navigating all of the various personal and professional agendas of clients and vendors, while at the same time being able to put together a sensible plan that meets the needs of the client.
Proudest moment in your life?
Having the spouse of a former student stop me in a hotel and tell me I "saved her husband's life" by simply believing in him.
One tip for success?
Have a sense of urgency in everything you do. Make the customer or guest in front of you feel as though they are the most important person in the world at that moment.
If you could fix one thing in the world, what would it be?
Congressional term limits!
What would people be surprised to know about you?
That I have a Steinway concert grand piano in my home.
What can't you work without?
My students. They inspire me every day.
Who is your hero and why?
Having worked with Jackie Robinson's family, I really came to appreciate the courage Jackie had. I don't think many people could endure the challenges he faced.
Pastime or hobbies?
I relax by wrenching on old cars!
