R.J. Tessier, the second director in Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management program history, has returned to Big Rapids to lead the program, tapping skills he picked up while exploring other roles. 

Tessier has wasted no time in his return, moving to spark even greater interest from industry leaders and students in PTM. 

He said the program’s founder, Scott Schultz, encouraged him to apply to succeed him in 1998 when he went to the United States Tennis Association.

“I was proud to join the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program to combine training in the sport and learning related to success in the business of leading tennis resorts and the like,” Tessier said. “Though I joined the United States Professional Tennis Association as director of certification and testing several years later, I always had a strong feeling for Ferris and am glad to be back in this role with the program.” 

Tessier has held an impressive list of sports management positions. Most recently, he served as the Dragon Ridge Tennis and Athletic Club general manager in Henderson, Nev. Tessier also hosted “On Court with USPTA,” a television program on the Tennis Channel. 

“I am actively reconnecting with the USTA Midwest Board of Directors and attended the USPTA World Conference in Orlando in late September,” he said. “I also intend to be at and engaging participants and coaches at high school tennis events, so they know Ferris’ PTM program offers young people a chance to continue their passion and help meet the significant demand for professionals in this industry.”

Mike Janz, a 2014 Ferris PTM graduate, continues to work in the program as its assistant director. Tessier values this working relationship. 

“Mike and I are collaborating well. He appreciates and understands our goals for promoting the legacy and stature of the PTM program,” Tessier said. “We look forward to our success in the work before us.” 

Click Professional Tennis Management to learn more about this Ferris State College of Business program.