Business Advancement

Business Advancement (BA) is an affiliated collection of auxiliary enterprise operations that support the mission of The Ohio State University. These units include the Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Hall Conference Center, the Fawcett Conference & Event Center, the Jerome Schottenstein Center, Nationwide Arena (under a management agreement), Mershon Auditorium, Brand Engagement Services & Partnerships (Trademarks & Licensing, Affinity & Sponsorship Management, Athletics Business Strategies), and Scarlet & Gray Venues. 

BA reports jointly to Ross Bjork (Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation – Eugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director) and Mike Papadakis (Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer).

The collective goals of Business Advancement are to:

• Maximize revenue generation through innovative and creative asset and program utilization, while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
• Serve as a learning laboratory for our students and our student-athletes.
• Support the university and Central Ohio community through hospitality, engagement and event execution.
• Support the Department of Athletics and the university through event management/production, expertise and asset stewardship.
• Contribute significantly to recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, students, and the corporate marketplace of Central Ohio through a diverse world-class schedule of events, hospitality and community engagement.
• Provide supportive experiences for students, staff, and guests.
• Contribute to the university through the implementation of its Shared Values.

Each relationship is customized to deliver on mutual objectives while creating real, measurable impact for both the sponsor and the university.

Mission Statement  

Support the university’s goals through revenue generation, asset stewardship, providing learning and research opportunities, and being self-supporting financially.