DJ Bokelman finds the perfect mix with UNK’s blended General Kinesiology & Sports Science M.A.Ed. program

The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s blended General Kinesiology and Sports Science M.A.Ed. program has provided DJ Bokelman the perfect mix of courses, networking, and experiences to achieve her dreams of becoming an athletic director. 
 
Bokelman, originally from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, began her undergraduate career at Concordia University where she was a member of the women’s golf team. She then transferred to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in hopes to switch her focus from the greens to her future.  
 
While at UNL, Bokelman was a physical therapy major and worked at the Training Table, which is a cafeteria housed in Memorial Stadium strictly for Husker athletes. While working with student athletes, Bokelman found a passion for leadership and searched out a master’s program that would combine her love for science, leadership, and sports.  
 
“I did some research, I found this program, and I thought it was perfect for me,” Bokelman said. “I don’t think there is any programs like it in the state.”  
 
UNK’s KSS program is offered online or in a blended format to provide flexibility and convenience to students. Bokelman pursued the blended format since she had experience with online learning due to Covid-19 quickly moving most students learning online. 
 
“I didn't want to just be online because I feel like I get more connections and networking through being on campus. This is a nice little mix,” she said.  
 
The KSS program has provided Bokelman with many opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Her sports marketing class created a marketing campaign for UNK’s 50th anniversary celebration of Title IX and she was able to attend a Sports Law conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. 
 
“My classes have been amazing, and I've been able to learn a lot,” Bokelman said. “There's a lot of networking here, so I'll be able to make a lot of connections with people and probably take that into my future career.”