CourtesyJoe Mazzara is a GSA serving as the assistant director of Wichita State Esports, an opportunity that initially drew him to WSU. He was also a featured guest on the September 2023 episode of President Rick Muma's "Forward Together" podcast. After graduating with his master’s degree, he plans to pursue additional education by pursuing his doctorate.
Joe is one of more than 1,400 students eligible for fall 2023 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what's next for the grad.
Hometown
Detroit, Michigan
Major
Master of Education in Sport Management
What made you choose Wichita State University?
I chose Wichita State because of the amazing faculty and staff in the sport management department, as well as the opportunity to pursue my career through a GSA/GTA position with Esports.
What has been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a student was balancing my work, school and personal interests. But luckily, I was able to match my work and school interests thanks to WSU and balance my life.
What's your favorite off-campus location in Wichita?
My favorite off-campus location in Wichita has to be downtown Douglas Street with its many restaurants, concert venues and tattoo shops.
If you could choose a song to play when you walk across the stage at graduation, what would it be?
If I could choose a song to play when I walked on stage, it would be Real Love by Smashing Pumpkins.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to continue my education in a Ph.D. or Ed.D. program for educational psychology or educational leadership.
What advice would you give other Wichita State students?
My advice to other WSU students would be to fight for your dreams and chase what you are passionate about. If you do what you love, every day is Christmas morning.
About Wichita State University
Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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