From Traditional Fields to Digital Arenas: The Evolution of College Esports - An Ed Tech Day Information Session

By Andrew Hogan, March 12, 2024

Jacob VanRyn co-founder and CEO of the National Esports Colligiate Conference (NECC), will lead a discussion titled, "From Traditional Fields to Digital Arenas: The Evolution of College Esports - An Ed Tech Day Information Session" at 11 AM in the Taughannock Falls room. 

Jacob VanRyn a veteran in college athletics will explore the transformative journey of esports within collegiate settings. This session delves into the origins and exponential growth of the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC), which rapidly expanded from 36 to nearly 500 member institutions. The presentation addresses common challenges colleges encounter when initiating esports programs, such as infrastructure development, funding, and establishing a competitive balance. Additionally, it contrasts the dynamics between club and varsity esports, highlighting the unique benefits and hurdles of each level, including resource allocation, recruitment, and the integration within academic frameworks. This comprehensive overview offers insights into the burgeoning realm of collegiate esports, underscored by VanRyn's extensive experience and visionary leadership in the field.​

This session is among the 40+ scheduled presentations for the 30th Educational Technology Day at Ithaca College, taking place on Thursday, March 21st, from 9 am to 3 pm in the Campus Center. Registration is not necessary for Ithaca College Community members. For further details, please visit the Ed Tech Day website at www.ithaca.edu/edtechday.

Please watch Intercom for additional announcements about ways in which you can be part of the day, and for details on many of the seminars and other featured events.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Information Technology and Analytics Ed Tech Day team at edtechday@ithaca.edu. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.

Jacob VanRyn

Notes on the Presenter:

Jacob VanRyn spent over 20 years in college athletics before transitioning into the world of esports. He, along with Caleb Glube, started the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) when he was the Commissioner of the former New England Collegiate Conference, a Division III athletic conference at the time. Under his leadership, the NECC has grown from 36 colleges and universities in itsfirst semester of operation to nearly 500 today.