BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management program announced a new partnership with the United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. on Tuesday.
Partnering with the USPTA requires a university’s program to meet the association’s standards for education and certification of future tennis professionals.
Through coursework and on-court education, this USPTA certification verifies to potential future employers that recent Ferris tennis management graduates possess the necessary skills to work as high-level tennis-teaching professionals.
Michael Janz, Ferris’ PTM assistant director, said the new partnership will allow the program to explore new educational tools.
“Ferris State University’s PTM program is excited to be endorsed by the USPTA. The Ferris State University PTM program has prepared passionate young adults for careers in the racquet sports and business industries for more than 35 years,” Janz said. “We are thrilled to have the USPTA on board with us as we continue to produce the next generation of industry leaders.”
Ferris’ PTM, based in the College of Business, was the first in the U.S. accredited by the USPTA, and graduates leave with a comprehensive business education that includes classes in accounting, management and marketing while getting hands-on experience in Ferris’ Racquet and Fitness Center with roles such as coaching tennis and pickleball, club management and equipment sales. Ferris PTM students receive high-level and extensive player development and coaching training from the program staff, including a USPTA Master Professional and a USPTA Elite Professional.
In addition to Ferris, the other announced partners are Hope College, based in Holland, Michigan, and Methodist University, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
“We need to have more young people who aspire to become tennis-teaching professionals. The pipeline that Ferris, Hope and Methodist PTM programs provide will help fill that need and we’re delighted to solidify our partnership,” USPTA CEO John Embree said.
The USPTA ensures that partnered programs teach students skills that employers highly covet. Students from these programs are in demand by organizations seeking well-developed professionals and are often brought on as paid staff members or as interns while still in the PTM programs.