As a Hamden native, McAulay has had a front-row seat to watch Quinnipiac grow over the years into what he calls the “cornerstone of the community.” 

McAulay’s story starts in sports. Sports shaped his life and he dreamed of playing at the highest level. 

“Later, in youth development, I met talented young people with dreams but lacking pathways, and I realized how essential the business side of sport truly is. Sport influences health disparities, community development, media, innovation and more — it’s tightly woven into every major business sector. Understanding sport without understanding business creates a limited view of its true power. Teaching at this intersection allows me to help students see that sport is more than games; it’s a dynamic, evolving and impactful industry.”

Now as a professor, McAulay has the opportunity to share his love for business and sports with Quinnipiac students. 

“My goal as a professor is to impact students in ways that strengthen their critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and collaboration skills,” McAulay said. “I want to prepare them for the realities of working in highly competitive industries by giving them early exposure, practical experiences and up-to-date knowledge about business and sport trends. I challenge them to think differently, take initiative and begin building their professional pathways now rather than later.”

McAuley is a key component in Quinnipiac’s new sport and entertainment management degree. This degree intersects the sports, finance, communications and the Bobcat ambition. 

McAuley said he believes the sports and entertainment management degree gives students the opportunity to develop transferable professional skills while learning something they are passionate about. 

“The sport and entertainment management degree blends academic rigor with practical, visible, real-world experience,” McAulay said. “It opens the door for students to expose themselves to every sector of sports communications. From event operations to marketing to leadership, students can connect what they’re learning to what they see in games, media, and professional settings.”

“In the long term, I hope athletics continues expanding beyond entertainment into areas of physical, social, and career development for all students.” McAulay added. “There’s a lot of momentum building, and I’m grateful to contribute to that energy.”