Here’s the secret behind Jake Stanley’s success: it all started with a small-town university that taught him to think big. While the University of Georgia’s football games draw over 93,000 fans per home game and boast 8.6 million TV viewers annually, Stanley’s journey to the SEC’s spotlight began in Oxford, Ohio, at Miami University. His story isn’t just about ambition—it’s about how the right education, mentorship, and hands-on experience can shape a career in sports communications, even when the odds seem stacked against you. But here’s where it gets interesting: the skills he honed at a Division I program with a fraction of the budget and resources are now helping him thrive in one of the most competitive athletic departments in the country. And this is the part most people miss—Stanley’s success isn’t just about talent; it’s about the foundational lessons from Miami’s journalism and SLAM programs that still guide him today.
Let’s rewind. Stanley, a 2017 Miami graduate, didn’t start at Georgia. He began as a student assistant, juggling games across multiple sports, from soccer to hockey. His path wasn’t linear, but it was purposeful. While many students at larger schools might focus on one sport, Stanley’s exposure to diverse athletic events at Miami gave him a unique perspective. "You learn to adapt," he says. "It’s not just about the game; it’s about the people, the stories, and the systems behind the scenes." This mindset, shaped by Miami’s emphasis on ethics, communication, and practical training, became his compass.
But how did a small university prepare him for the high-stakes world of SEC athletics? The answer lies in Miami’s SLAM (Sports Leadership and Management) program and its journalism department. Stanley’s professor, Sam Morris, recalls him as a student who "hit the right balance" of curiosity and humility. "He wasn’t overbearing, but he asked the right questions," Morris says. "That’s what makes a great communicator—knowing when to listen and when to lead."
Stanley’s early passion for sports journalism was fueled by his great uncle, a Marshall University sports director, and his own childhood dream of becoming a SportsCenter anchor. Yet, he quickly realized his strength wasn’t on camera—it was behind the scenes. "Writing is the backbone of this field," he explains. "Learning AP style at Miami was a game-changer. So many people in our industry don’t even know the basics."
This lesson in precision paid off. After graduating, Stanley worked for the Louisville Bats (a Triple-A baseball team) and earned a master’s in sport administration. But it was his time at Miami that truly prepared him for the chaos of college athletics. "At Miami, we had to be creative with limited resources," he says. "That taught me to think outside the box, which is critical when dealing with a program like Georgia’s massive infrastructure."
Now, as an associate sports communications director at Georgia, Stanley manages everything from media relations for SEC championships to coordinating Olympic coverage. Yet, he insists the core principles remain the same. "It’s still about preparation and flexibility," he says. "You can’t control everything, but you can control how you respond."
But here’s the debate: Does a smaller school like Miami offer the same opportunities as a power conference program? Stanley’s story suggests otherwise. While Georgia’s budget and staff size are leagues ahead, he argues that the foundational skills from Miami—like storytelling, ethical decision-making, and resourcefulness—are just as valuable. "It’s not about the size of the program," he says. "It’s about the quality of the education and the drive to excel."
So, what’s the takeaway? For students considering their path, Stanley’s journey highlights the importance of choosing a program that aligns with your goals, even if it’s not the most obvious choice. And for those who think only big schools can launch big careers, his story is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest towns have the biggest impact.
What do you think? Do you believe smaller universities can produce equally successful athletes and professionals as their larger counterparts? Or is the scale of a program a critical factor in career development? Share your thoughts below—because the conversation is just as important as the game itself.
