Game On: Welcoming Adam Schuler as Shawnee State's New Director of eSports
Shawnee State University is leveling up its commitment to student engagement and competitive gaming with the arrival of Adam Schuler, the new Director of eSports and Student Engagement. Adam joins SSU at a pivotal moment, as the university prepares to launch a cutting-edge eSports arena on the fourth floor of the Kricker Innovation Hub—slated for completion in May 2026.
But Adam’s mission goes far beyond building a space. He’s here to build a culture.
From Player to Coach to Director: Adam’s Journey
Adam’s love for gaming began in childhood, where video games filled a unique competitive niche alongside traditional sports. That passion led him to the League of Legends team at the University of Cincinnati, where he competed and later transitioned into coaching. His coaching journey took him to Florida State University and eventually to Cleveland State, where he helped launch and grow their collegiate eSports program from the ground up.
At Cleveland State, Adam wore many hats—player, coach, and eventually Assistant Director. He credits much of his development to mentors whose guidance helped him refine his coaching philosophy and leadership style. Now, he brings that experience to SSU.
Building a Program with Purpose
In his first year, Adam plans to lay the foundation for long-term success. That means establishing systems and standards that support both high-level competition and community-building. SSU’s eSports program will be structured into three tiers:
Varsity Teams: Focused on national championships and elite competition.
Academy Teams: Offering a lower-stress competitive environment with room to grow.
Club Programs: Designed for students who want to socialize, connect, and enjoy gaming without the pressure of competition.
Adam’s philosophy is clear: every student deserves a space to thrive, whether they’re chasing trophies or just looking for friends who share their passion.
The Arena: A Space to Compete, Connect, and Celebrate
The upcoming eSports arena will be more than just a room full of high-end PCs—it will be a hub for culture, tradition, and pride. Adam envisions walls historic moments from SSU’s gaming legacy. Inspired by professional sports venues, he wants the space to reflect the values and victories of the Bear community.
Why Join the SSU eSports Team?
For prospective students, Adam offers a compelling invitation: come build something special. Scholarship opportunities are available, but the real draw is the chance to be part of a program that’s growing fast and aiming high.
SSU’s strengths in game development and engineering make it a natural home for aspiring game designers, developers, and competitive players. Whether you’re looking to go pro, build your resume, or simply find your people—there’s a place for you at SSU.
Looking Ahead
“I’m just really excited to get the year started,” Adam says. “I want to keep entrenching myself within the Shawnee community and help build something that lasts.”
With Adam Schuler at the helm, SSU’s eSports program is poised for a breakout year and the Kricker Innovation Hub is about to become the center of gaming culture in our region.