Mark Bankert, Assistant Professor of Sport Management

How long have you been at Malone University?

34 years.

What attracted you to work at Malone?

An opening for the college’s first-ever, full-time Sports Information Director position became available in 1987 and I jumped at the opportunity to apply. The fact that I could serve at a Christian institution made it all the more enticing.  

What do you enjoy most about your job responsibilities?

I love having my own “team” of Sport Management students to “coach”. Just as coaches do in athletics, I enjoy watching tremendous growth in my team from their freshman year through graduation. 

How do you answer when asked to describe Malone’s brand of education?

Relationship-based and Christ-centered. The entire educational experience for a student, including their connections with professors, staff, coaches, and administrators, is unique because of a degree of closeness that I don’t believe is found at many other institutions. I think that this is the result of putting Christ first in all we do. 

How would you describe Malone students?

Caring, respectful, friendly, difference-makers.

How has working at Malone shaped your individual faith journey?

I’ve found that listening to the hearts of others, as they share their triumphs and setbacks, has inspired me to be more Christ-like in the areas of prayer and compassion. Our Community Worship services, Faculty Development sessions, or talking with students before or after class all show me the importance of prayer and compassion in daily life. 

Describe your colleagues and their commitment to Malone?

In 34 years, my wonderful colleagues have shown me what it means to give your all to such a worthy effort—a Malone education. Coaches on the court, administrators utilizing their God-given talents, or professors who go the extra mile for their students have all been such good examples to me.

Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.

I play the guitar (and have written about 150 songs) and enjoy searching for collectables (stamps, magazines, books, and all sorts of sports memorabilia). I love to travel and once took a 35-day trip with my family to 12 different countries in Europe.