With the June 28 signing of the memorandum of understanding between Ohio State University and Wilberforce University, the action starts the ball rolling for what each vested party hopes will become a growing collaboration with HBCUs in allowing students to continue their professional and academic growth in golf and turf management. Most significantly, the signing of the agreement honors the work of the late Wilberforce alum Bill Powell, founder, designer and builder of East Canton’s Clearview Golf Club.
The new program will benefit students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who wish to pursue careers in turf management and golf operations. Fulfilling a need to create additional opportunities in the golf industry the program was developed in partnership with Westfield Country Club, GCSAA immediate past president Mark Jordan, CGCS, and Golf. My Future. My Game Founder and CEO Craig Kirby.
As Ohio State University enters into a formal partnership with Wilberforce University, the country’s oldest private HBCU, the initiative will develop a scalable program allowing Wilberforce students to pursue a dual degree and certificate from OSU and Wilberforce.
Starting this fall, participating Wilberforce students will receive college credit for OSU-offered courses in turfgrass management, history of golf courses and golf management, according to GCM.com. The credits can be applied to an academic certificate in agronomy accompanying their Wilberforce degree.
Jordan, an OSU alum, and Kirby, whose organization supports the involvement of underrepresented populations in golf, co-created the Careers In Golf program at Westfield Country Club. Internship activities include on-site education in customer experience, golf etiquette, dining etiquette and conducting business on the golf course. Off-site education opportunities include visits to Hurdzan Golf Design, professional golf tournaments including the PGA Tour’s Memorial tournament and the LPGA’s Marathon Classic and Ohio’s Clearview Golf Club, the country’s first Black-owned and racially integrated course.
After the program’s first year, which partnered Westfield Country Club with Albion College and Howard University, Jordan and Kirby identified a gap between the program’s offerings and available majors at their partner schools. No HBCUs currently provide majors related to turf management and golf operations, leaving students limited options to pursue a desired career in the industry.
