#ThrowbackThursday: Kevin Chen
Kevin Chen – Sport Management, 2007
Tell us a little about your background.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. After WSU, spent time throughout the U.S. in Georgia and Florida and five years overseas in the Asia-Pacific. Now have been back home in the East Bay for the last 10 years.
What did you study at WSU? Did you always know you wanted to study that?
Majored in Sport Management with a minor in Business. Started out in freshman year looking to major in Business but learned about the wonderful opportunities in sport and the College of Education’s great Sport Management program.
What has been your favorite thing about WSU, as well as the College of Education?
It’s the sense of community that the student population and alumni have towards each other. The College of Education provided me with expert knowledge from the best professors in the field and lasting professional relationships with fellow classmates.
Is there a memory you have from WSU that stands out in your mind as unforgettable, transformative, etc.?
The moment you step back on campus in the Fall, seeing the late afternoon Palouse sunsets and colors in the foliage start to change. There’s nothing like those spectacular views across the wheat fields in the entire world!
What has your career path been since you left WSU? What do you currently do? Tell us about your NOW life!
After graduating I played golf professionally overseas in Asia, spending five years on tour playing the PGA Tour China and One Asia Tours. Was wonderful to experience different cultures and see the world! I moved back to the U.S. in 2013 to begin a career as a PGA Golf Professional. I have now spent the past 10 years in the private golf club industry working in golf operations, player development, and member services. I now am the Head Golf Professional at Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill, CA.
What makes you an agent of change?
I believe its my drive to continually learn, teach, and expand my understanding of various areas so that I can benefit from increased knowledge.
Favorites
Food: Italian
Restaurant in Pullman: Sella’s
Band: Coldplay
Song: Levels, by Avicii
Movie: Happy Gilmore
TV show: Squid Games
Favorite Coug sport: Golf, and Football
Favorite spot on campus (when you were a student): Martin Stadium
Hobby: Traveling
Place to visit (you’ve been to): Cabo San Lucas
Dream vacation spot (you haven’t been to): Italy