Dr. Dennis Erie

Founder, Minnesota State University, Mankato Sport Management Program

Dr. Dennis Erie founded the Sport Management Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1984, and that set the foundation for the program's success. The program is nationally recognized and provides unique learning opportunities in and out of the classroom for MSU students. Through his leadership, the program has grown significantly. Furthermore, supporting students through the Dennis Erie Sport Management Scholarship has allowed outstanding and hard working students opportunities to further their education.

Dennis received his Bachelor's degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where he played football, basketball and ran for the track team. After receiving his Bachelor's Degree, Dennis attended Minnesota State University, Mankato where he earned his Master's Degree. From there, Dennis moved to Windom, MN in 1956. During his 10 years in Windom, he was the assistant football coach, the head football coach, and the high school athletic director. In 1966 Dennis moved back to Mankato to become the Men's Intramural Director at MSU until 1971. A few years later, Dennis receive his Doctorate Degree from the University of Iowa and soon returned to MSU to serve as the Assistant Athletic Director under Bob Otto. Then in 1984 Dennis created the sport management program and taught as a sport management professor until 1993. While teaching he had a love for sports and attended many Minnesota State University, Mankato athletic contests as well as helped officiate collegiate athletics. Denny is survived by his wife Barbara who carries on a close relationship with the sport management program.

Dennis Erie was inducted into the Sport Business Hall of Fame in April 2010 because of the hard work and dedication in creating and coordinating the Sport Management Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato.