For Nick Dill, sports have always been more than just passion. Sports have shaped his life, career and now, his future. Whether it was playing or watching sports, Nick always felt a strong connection to the game.
Nick grew up immersed in athletics. He went on to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications while playing football all four years. Being a student athlete taught him the importance of discipline, time management, and hard work, all skills that he continues to practice today at a professional level.
Now at Abilene Christian University, Nick is building on that foundation in a new way. Since joining ACU in 2023 as the director of football academics, he has worked closely with student-athletes and supported cross-country and other athletic programs. Nick’s role allows him to mentor students who are navigating the same balance of academics, athletics and personal growth that he once experienced himself.“I’m able to understand students because I’ve been in their shoes,” Nick said. “Balancing school and sports isn’t easy, but it’s something I’m passionate about helping others manage.”
The Perfect Opportunity
Nick’s decision to enroll at ACU as an online student was shaped by both his professional experience and his connection to the university community. “Seeing and being an advisor to students and being a part of ACU’s culture really motivated me,” he said. “The environment and the community here in Abilene made the experience feel more meaningful.”
As an ACU employee, he also benefited from the university’s tuition assistance program, which made pursuing his graduate degree even more accessible. But for Nick, it was more than just convenience; it was about finding a program that aligned with his goals and values. When ACU launched its M.S. in Sports Leadership program, the timing felt right.
“I’ve always loved sports and knew I wanted to get my master’s,” Nick said. “When this program was developed, it felt like the perfect opportunity.”
Spiritual and Individual Growth With ACU
One of the most impactful aspects of Nick’s experience has been how directly his coursework connects to his day-to-day responsibilities. Through classes like conflict resolution and management, Nick has gained new perspectives on how to handle challenges within teams and organizations. “It’s a lot of what I do every day,” he said. “The course really helped me learn how to approach conflict differently and reflect on how I respond as a leader.”
Leadership courses have also helped him better understand his own leadership style, reinforcing his identity as a servant leader, or someone who prioritizes the growth and well-being of others. In addition, coursework in athletics finance has given Nick insight into the business side of the sports industry, including budgeting and how athletic events generate revenue.
“I’ve been able to see the bigger picture of the sports industry,” he said. “It’s not just about what happens on the field. There are so many moving parts behind the scenes. This program is really diverse. It’s given me skills I can use in a lot of different areas.”
Nick also emphasized ACU’s faculty and online learning environment, which makes it easier to digest and apply course material to his career. The class sizes are smaller and allow professors and students to have interactive learning, hold meaningful discussions, and foster strong connections. “This program was created to be online and not just because COVID happened,” Nick explained. While taking courses, Nick was able to have Zoom calls with professors, where they would talk about his interests, life, faith and more. This made Nick feel like more than just a student or number to his professors and reassured him that he’s being supported by people who want him to succeed.
On top of that, the integration of faith within the program and curriculum was something Nick greatly appreciated. Nick enjoyed the ability to learn and practice his faith at the same time. He explained that the coursework encourages self-reflection and awareness to better understand who he is as a leader and how he can continue to grow. “I’m able to learn something and apply it to my job the next day. That has made my experience valuable,” Nick shared.
This learning format helped him gain a deeper understanding of his abilities and leadership style, enabling him to continue supporting student-athletes. “It gave me reassurance in who I am and who I can become,” Nick said
Nick’s Future and Words of Advice For Students
As Nick prepares to complete his master’s degree, he remains open to all possibilities but does have a specific role in mind: athletic director. “I think that would be an incredible role,” he said. “I love college athletics, and being able to lead a program like that would be amazing.” To Nick, the career path to becoming an athletic director at the collegiate level is unclear, but he’s confident that ACU has prepared him for what’s next.
When asked for advice for students interested in ACU or planning to attend college, Nick emphasized the importance of intention. Nick revisited the gift of self-reflection through coursework and how it can help identify leadership style. “What you put into your program is what you’re going to get out of it,” Nick said, “This is more than a degree but an investment in yourself and your future.”
Through the M.S. in Sports Leadership program, Nick has been able to build on his already existing sports and communication skills to enhance his sports leadership abilities to support student-athletes. Not only has Nick been able to lean into his servant leadership but also gain new skills to resolve conflict, understand athletic finance and budgeting and more. If you’re like Nick and have a deep love for sports and athletics, visit our website to learn more about sports leadership and management programs.
