Collegiate Times

Correction: This story has been modified from its original version. — "Frank Beamer to assist with management lecture," (CT, March 27) misattributed a quote. "He is definitely a campus celebrity figure, so the idea of having a class with Coach Beamer would attract a lot

"It has the potential to impact the students' lives right now, being in the presence of such a legendary coach," Neck said. "I tell my students in the first day of class that I want to make it the best class they have ever taken. With Coach Beamer, the likelihood of that is even greater. The man knows leadership."

The online textbook to be used for the course will be new, designed and written by Beamer and Neck. They plan to have the textbook completed by July 1, approximately seven months after work on it began. The Cooperative Leadership Institute, a private company founded at Tech, will use its technology to ensure that the book is up and running.

Though the first semester utilizing Beamer's expertise will be offered in the fall of 2008, Neck said that he would be interested in making the collaborative effort something that continues into the future. Neck expects the high demand for the class to continue, if not increase, after the course's inaugural semester.

Students agree that a class co-taught by Beamer would be more attractive for the student body as a whole, though not all would be interested in signing themselves up.

Sophia Webster, a freshman physics major who will not be required to take the class, noted that while she can understand the class's appeal, she also sees several flaws.

"It would definitely be enticing," Webster said. "He might not be taken seriously though because people would see him as a football coach and not a professor."

Katie Eide, a junior psychology major, agreed with Webster, adding that she would not be interested in such a class.

"He is definitely a campus celebrity figure, so the idea of having a class with Coach Beamer would attract a lot of students," Eide said. "I really wouldn't care one way or another though."

Neck is optimistic that the students will not only learn a great deal from his lessons on management and leadership, but also understand the benefit of such a unique classroom environment.

"Students will experience something that no other student in the country is experiencing, where they have a nationally known professor and a nationally acclaimed football coach teaching leadership," Neck said. "They can use it as a selling tool on the interview process. It's a great opportunity for students and for me to work with someone of such fine character and knowledge."

Because of obligations to spring football practice, Beamer could not be immediately reached for comment.

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