Florida National University to Commence an Athletic Department

Scott Schmidt To Initiate Men’s Basketball Program This Coming Fall

Our goal is to create an atmosphere of positive professional achievement for the students of FNU.



Hialeah, FL June 07, 2013

Florida National University (FNU) in Hialeah, FL has hired Scott Schmidt to commence an Athletic Department at the University. In the first year, FNU plans to initiate a Men’s Basketball program with an inaugural season scheduled to start in the Fall of 2013. This program will be the first of its kind at the University.

“With this program we are looking to create a tradition of excellence at Florida National University, something that will not only impact the potential student-athletes at FNU, but the student body and community as a whole,” said Schmidt, the one-time personal assistant of Miami Heat sharpshooter, Mike Miller.

Florida National University opened its first class on January 4th, 1988, in the city of Hialeah, Florida, as Florida International Institute under the administration of Dr. José Regueiro, Mrs. María C. Regueiro, and Mr. Omar Sánchez.

The university’s mission statement declares, “The purpose of Florida National University is to contribute to the education of a population of diverse, presently predominantly Hispanic, cultures. The University realizes this mission through the employment and development of a faculty of scholars who are proficient in the art of teaching. The University strives to prepare the students for employment in their chosen career or advanced studies through the acquisition of the required skills and knowledge needed for the successful completion of the program of studies. Florida National University strives to provide the educational facilities and resources that support intensive sessions of study in small classes, in order to foster in the student the attainment of a quality university education according to the student’s personal goals, and the advancement of modern technology.

Furthermore, Florida National University provides educational and cultural programs intended to enrich the community it serves.”

“I believe that with the mission statement and standards that FNU holds, the academia and athletic departments will complement one another as part of a successful partnership,” said Schmidt, “Our goal is to create an atmosphere of positive professional achievement for the students of FNU.”

Schmidt was chosen for the position due to his wealth of knowledge about both sports administration and basketball. Mr. Schmidt graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration where he participated in basketball and baseball. Scott then furthered his education, receiving his Master’s degree in Sports and Leisure Commerce from the University of Memphis in 2012.

Mr. Schmidt spent a year as Recreation Director and Unit Lead at a juvenile treatment facility in Plankinton, SD, where he was awarded Employee of the Year. From there he went on to become Co-Founder of the M33M youth basketball program, which refers to Mike Miller and his jersey number from his days with the Memphis Grizzlies, in Memphis, TN, where he has been coaching and the managing director since. Scott also spent a year and a half as Mike Miller’s personal assistant in Miami where he learned various skills regarding the professional sports world.

Schmidt also donates his time to charitable foundations and causes as an event administrator and fundraiser for the Mike Miller Foundation and Youth Athletic Foundation. Scott recently ran a Mike Miller Let It Fly kids’ camp at Bucky Dent Gym in Hialeah, FL. On the day the camp was formed, City of Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez officially proclaimed July 17th as Mike Miller Day. Schmidt also coordinated the Jack Jones Shootout, which was held at American Airlines Arena in March of 2011. The Jack Jones Shootout is an annual event that showcases the nation’s top high school senior basketball players who compete and participate in charitable events throughout the community.

“I am excited to join the Hialeah community, and I look forward to contributing my time and experience to create something special here at Florida National University,” said Schmidt.

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Established in 1982, Florida National University(FNU) is a higher learning institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees.

For more information on Florida National University’s new athletic department and basketball program, please call Scott Schmidt at 305-821-3333 or email sschmidt(at)fnu(dot)edu.