esports: Create a Vibrant Community for Gamers of All Skill Levels – On-Demand Training

Colleges and universities aiming to build vibrant esports programs face several key challenges. Securing sufficient funding and dedicated resources — such as equipment, space, and staffing — can be difficult, especially when institutional understanding of esports is limited. Programs must also balance support for competitive teams with opportunities for casual players to ensure the community is welcoming to gamers of all skill levels. Additionally, fostering a welcoming environment, navigating space and scheduling conflicts, and creating sustainable structures beyond student leadership are essential. At the heart of these efforts is the need to intentionally build a strong sense of community — one that connects students through shared passion, belonging, and collaboration both in and outside of gameplay.

Hear from our expert presenters — including the Eastern College Athletic Conference Director of the Year for the 2022/23 season — and discover several key solutions and opportunities to build vibrant, holistic esports programs. Go beyond the focus on elite competition and cultivate a sustainable, community-drive ecosystem that welcomes gamers of all skill levels. Explore tiered engagement structures, the captain-coach leadership model, and the integration of volunteerism and career readiness.

Reframe esports as a tool for student development, campus engagement, and workforce preparation—offering practical strategies that blend student life, inclusion, and institutional priorities in a fresh, actionable way.

Topics Covered

Gain crucial, actionable takeaways that will help you: 

• Design esports programs that support both competitive and casual players, ensuring inclusive participation for students of all skill levels.
• Understand the importance of fostering a sense of belonging through events, social play, and structured volunteer opportunities that go beyond competition.
• Be equipped to create and enforce codes of conduct, implement anti-toxicity measures, and apply inclusive leadership strategies to build safer, more welcoming environments.
• Explore ways to connect students with esports-related career pathways through internships, mentorship, and partnerships with industry professionals.
• Recognize the value of hiring dedicated staff and establishing the captain-coach model to support student leadership while ensuring program sustainability.
• Advocate for funding, space, and administrative backing by aligning esports with campus priorities like student engagement, retention and career development. 
  

Presenters

Dr. James McGhee is currently the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Associate Dean of Students at Randolph-Macon College located in Ashland, Virginia.
Click here for full bio.

Carin Bublitz is the Director of Esports at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. Carin has been in the esports space as an athlete, assistant coach and director for eight years. She was the Eastern College Athletic Conference Director of the Year for the 2022/23 season and she has coached her teams to win multiple conference titles including the Spring 2024 Valorant Championship. Click here for full bio.