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She’s also well known as a burgeoning businesswoman. Her
fashion line, EleVen, and interior design company, V*Starr Interiors,
are just two business pursuits. She and sister Serena are also part owners
of the Miami Dolphins.
One of the lesser-known descriptions of Williams is student,
specifically at Indiana University (IU) East. And when Williams decided
to pursue her bachelor’s degree in business at the school, she didn’t
intend to facilitate a partnership between the Women’s Tennis
Association (WTA) and IU East. But that’s what happened three years
ago after the professional athlete enrolled at the regional campus in
Richmond for her online degree.
“I looked at a few business schools, some were in Florida (Williams
lives in the Sunshine State when not traveling on tour). But it felt like I
was part of a family already (at IU East). It really did – it was the right
place for me and, of course, I respect IU in general. The education
system they have is great on the main campus as well as the satellite
campuses,” Williams explains.
“I was wearing my IU East sweaters everywhere I went. I just was
part of the family from day one.”
She has an associate’s degree in fashion design. In pursuing her
bachelor’s degree, Williams is working to enhance her business
acumen and learn how to deal with economic and political fluctuations
and how those impact her businesses – as well as become a better
manager and boss. She eventually wants to pursue her MBA.
“It’s really rounded me out as a business person, whether it’s
accounting or marketing. When I’m sitting in meetings, player council
meetings, anywhere – I’m so much more well rounded and I’m smiling
inside, saying ‘Yes! This is all paying off.’ I have to stay calm, but I just
get so excited,” she offers. “It really gets you motivated because you
do have to balance your schedule and manage your time by the second
to play tennis, have a couple businesses and finish school. It’s worth it.”
Reaching a diverse audience
It took two years to work through the legal and technical aspects
of an agreement between the WTA and IU East. As of fall 2013, the
ROUNDING
OUT THE
PROS
Organizations Offer Education,
Language Training
By Charlee Beasor
FEATURE STORY
There are a few ways to describe tennis superstar Venus Williams: Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist. One of the most powerful forehands in women’s tennis.
IU East offers 10 online bachelor degree completion programs to cater to its
rural adult demographic. IU East Chancellor Kathryn Cruz-Uribe (left) and
Women’s Tennis Association Chair Lisa Grattan sign an exclusive partnership
agreement in August 2013.
