WVU Alumni West Virginia University

Born in the Philippines and a self-proclaimed “Navy brat,” Joe Steranka could never have imagined the success he would find later in life through his love of sports.

An athlete himself, Steranka always had an interest and involvement in sports. So, when he was recruited to play baseball for WVU he naturally recognized it as a good opportunity. Not only could he play a sport he loved, but he could also pursue a degree in public relations from a nationally recognized journalism school. After attending a few practices with the baseball team Steranka decided that it would be more beneficial for him to concentrate on academics and opted not to play baseball.

Throughout his time at WVU Steranka held down three jobs, took advanced placement classes, was a loyal WVU sports fan, and somehow graduated in three years. He credits WVU with helping him to build his communication skills, which he says have gotten him where he is today.

After graduating in 1979, Steranka went to work for the Washington Bullets selling season tickets for a 10 percent commission. He was so successful selling season tickets that the Bullets promoted him into their marketing department. At the age of 22, he left Washington for a job with the Cleveland Cavaliers as their public relations director. He later took a position with ProServ, a company that represents professional athletes. There he worked on public relations campaigns for athletes like Michael Jordan, Arthur Ashe and Payne Stewart.

For the last 18 years Steranka has worked for the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America where he has worked his way up through the ranks to chief executive officer. Steranka is only the second person to hold this position since the PGA was founded in 1916.

Steranka also offered some wisdom for students as well as recent grads. He challenges undergraduate students to develop their communication skills. “Communication skills, basic writing and speaking skills and, more recently multi-media skills, will serve you very well regardless of what you want to do with your life.” And for recent graduates Steranka says that it is important to find something you love to do and stick with it.

“I never felt like it was work. I’ve been fortunate to work in pro sports my entire career, 27 years now and still feel like I’m doing something that I love. As trying as it gets sometimes, it never feels like work,” he explains.

Today he is enjoying life in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., with his wife and two kids. Seeing and hearing the musket fired after a Mountaineer touchdown still brings a smile to his face. Through his connection with the university he is able to find a common bond with the many WVU alumni he comes in contact with in the sports world.

“WVU grads have a lot of pride in the university and fond memories of their times as undergrads,” adds Steranka, “and WVU seems to have served many of us very well.”