HARRISBURG, PA — At Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), students take center stage. Our Student Spotlight shines a light on the internships, new jobs, published research, and many other ways our learners are demonstrating their skills in science, business, technology, and more – and making an impact in Central Pennsylvania and far beyond.
For Kevin Mast ’26, what started as a passion for gaming has evolved into a thriving career in esports and community engagement. Based in Johnson City, Tennessee, Kevin is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Esports Management, Production & Performance at HU, completing his degree fully online.
Drawn to Harrisburg University for the uniqueness of its esports program, Kevin saw an opportunity to turn his enthusiasm into a meaningful career. From the beginning, HU faculty and advisors encouraged him to think bigger. With their guidance, he developed a pitch deck to establish an esports program at his local parks and recreation department: an idea that became the foundation for his current job. Kevin’s involvement in the DreamHack Esports Summit in Atlanta, where HU brought students to connect with industry professionals, was another defining moment.
When asked about his favorite professor, Kevin recognizes Dr. Ashley Harris, whom he describes as “always responsive and extremely helpful.” Her mentorship, along with the encouragement of other advisors, helped him grow both as a student and community leader.
Outside of the classroom, Kevin is deeply involved in advancing esports and community programming. He serves on the Board of Directors for LANFest, a nonprofit organization that builds gaming communities and hosts charitable gaming events across the country. In his role as Chapter Relations Chair, Kevin helped lead a board retreat focused on human-centered design. His dedication earned him Johnson City’s GO.ALL.OUT Engagement Award, the 4-Star Award for Most Innovative Program of the Year, and the Robert Horsley Award for Most Outstanding Recreation Program by Community Center Personnel.
One nomination described his impact best: “Kevin isn’t just a standout teammate; he’s the kind of person who makes the whole department better just by being in it. Kevin makes work feel like a team effort, and honestly, I feel lucky to work alongside someone who leads with both skill and heart.”
Kevin also collaborates with East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) Sports & Recreation Management Department on an innovative research project introducing senior citizens to esports. Through games like Rocket League, the study explores how gaming can foster intergenerational connections and improve mental well-being. “We will be studying how they are engaging with each other, how they are able to engage with children and grandchildren after the study, and how we could make the study better for other organizations to use for their benefit,” he explained. “We want to focus on the physiological advantages like community and well-being.”
With just one year left until graduation, Kevin’s goals reflect his continued drive to grow the esports field. “My biggest goals after graduation would be to get a full-time position with ESL FACEIT Group, continue doing great things with my local community creating equitable programming for the young esports and STEM fanatics of my area, or lead an esports team or program at a college,” he said.
When asked about the most important lesson he learned from balancing school, work, and community programs, Kevin said, “Give yourself credit. You can do more than you think. Force yourself into responsibility and you will almost always rise to the occasion. But also schedule yourself and be ready to fail.”
For other students hoping to make their mark in esports or in their community, he offers this advice: “Get started. Take your setup to the student center and start playing. That’s how I built what is now a 40-man weekly at ETSU. I took my Smash setups and people just started gathering around. And now it’s a beautiful community.”
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
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