Professor Don Gibson to lead ASU Law’s MSLB Program
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has announced that Professor Don Gibson will assume the role of Executive Director of the Allan “Bud” Selig Sports Law and Business program following the departure of Aaron Hernandez on July 31.
Hernandez, who has served as Assistant Dean and Executive Director, helped guide the program’s continued growth and strengthen its connections across the sports industry.
“We are deeply grateful for Aaron’s leadership and dedication to our students and community, and we thank him for his many contributions to the program’s continued growth and success,” said Stacy Leeds, the Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents and Foundation Professor of Law. “We are thrilled that Professor Don Gibson will step into this role. Don brings extraordinary industry experience, entrepreneurial vision and a deep commitment to our students. He is exceptionally well-positioned to lead the program into its next chapter.”
Gibson brings more than 40 years of experience as an attorney, executive and entrepreneur in the sports and entertainment industries. He spent eight years with Major League Baseball, serving in leadership roles including Vice President and General Counsel and Senior Vice President/Acting President of Major League Baseball Properties. He later served as Chief Executive of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, overseeing all day-to-day operations and the $103 million Riverfront development project.
In addition to founding and leading multiple sports and entertainment ventures, Gibson has served as a Professor of Practice at ASU Law since 2015, teaching sports law and business and mentoring SLB students. He has been voted Faculty of the Year three times by our students.
“It’s a privilege to step into this role,” Gibson said. “The SLB program is positioned at the forefront of the global sports industry, and I’m eager to take the baton from my predecessors and accelerate the Program’s momentum. By collaborating closely with our esteemed faculty, staff and industry partners, we’ll keep creating transformative experiences for our students.”
Additionally, Professor Stephanie Jarvis will serve as the Chief Academic Officer for SLB, expanding her current duties to lead all academic operations, including guiding and innovating the curriculum, recruiting faculty associates, implementing new academic assessment strategies and enhancing academic advising.
Professor Ray Anderson has agreed to serve as a special advisor during this leadership transition and beyond. We appreciate his vision and deep industry connections and look forward to relying on his expertise and counsel.