The Way College Should Be
Affordability, Support Drive SMC Online Student to Redirect Career Path
Jeremy Handel
Staff Writer
Sometimes, even when you think you have life figured out, you come across a new chance to revisit an old dream. For one SMC Online student, that opportunity was too enticing – and achievable – to pass up.
Brandon Shanesy (’26) originally came to Spartanburg Methodist College in 2007 as a baseball recruit under legendary coach Tim Wallace. When his athletic career didn’t pan out, he earned his associate degree and moved on, starting a family and settling into adult life.
Nearly 20 years later, Shanesy saw a message from his alma mater that sparked a new drive to chase his dream of a career in sports. SMC launched its new Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management, and he knew right away it was what he wanted to do.
“My goal is to launch a career in athletics with my dream job being a high school athletic director,” Shanesy said. “I want to help develop young athletes and give them opportunities like people did for me.”
He was excited that the sport management program was being offered through SMC’s fully online program so that he could pursue his dream while continuing to work and raise a family.
“Working full-time and raising two sons who are very much into athletics doesn’t leave much time for pursuing a college degree,” he said. “The flexibility of the online program was the final sign that I was meant to do this.”
The final convincing element in returning for his degree was the affordability. Shanesy said that the competitive price for the online program was too much to pass up. “I never felt financially burdened.”
Shanesy hasn’t just pursued his dream – he’s excelled.
“Brandon is an incredible student and model of the SMC adult returning student,” said Dr. Thomas Habegger, Professor of Sport Management. “His academic work is strong, but it is how he has thrived in the program that will ultimately lead to his success in the workforce.”
Shanesy has impressed more than his professors. That impression extends beyond the classroom. SMC Academic Advisor James Brumbaugh has watched Shanesy navigate the demands of school, work, and family with quiet determination.
“It’s clear Brandon had the motivation and desire to succeed. It takes a lot of work and dedication to balance full-time employment, family, and full-time academics,” Brumbaugh said. “With students like Brandon, I don’t have to help them much, just ease their way back into school and help identify any barriers. I think he’s going to succeed in whatever he decides to pursue.”
Shanesy is appreciative of that support and credits Brumbaugh for not only keeping him on track for the classes he needs but always being there with a supportive email or just to check in and make sure he is doing OK.
“James is always just a text away and is extremely helpful and supportive,” Shanesy said. “I never felt like he was reaching out too much or too little, he was just always there at the right time.”
He said the online professors are also very supportive and make it clear they are available as a resource too.
While he has two classes remaining, Shanesy has already turned his return to SMC into a career foothold. As part of his Camak Core professional development coursework, his senior Capstone project led to him landing a new job in the athletics field.
“Camak Core is no joke. They work you hard, and they expect greatness,” he said. “The Capstone is a two-year adventure, and I put a ton of work into it. It actually helped me land my job as a sports coordinator at the YMCA.”
Shanesy designed and launched a pickleball league for a local four-year institution, which got him noticed by the leadership at the YMCA. He’s excited to build out programs for the members and follow his sports dream.