Faculty and students from the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) School of Business shared innovative teaching and learning strategies at the Applied Sport Management Association (ASMA) Conference in Philadelphia.
Joy Williams, instructor of business, and Jake Simms, assistant professor of sport management, attended the national conference with students Natali Shultz and Riley Miller. The group presented “Reimagining Engagement: Lessons from Implementing Project‑Based Learning in Sport Management Education,” a session focused on how hands‑on, project‑based learning can enhance student engagement and career readiness in sport management programs.
The presentation also featured Alyssa Trad, assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, highlighting cross‑institutional collaboration in sport management education.
Shultz and Miller received funding through LMU’s Undergraduate Presentations and Learning Initiatives Funding for Travel (UPLIFT) Grant, which supports student travel and conference participation, allowing them to present their semester‑long work to a national audience of faculty, researchers and industry professionals.
“Attending ASMA 2026 alongside our students was a reminder of why experiential learning matters,” said Williams. “Seeing them engage with faculty and peers from across the country, share the work they've invested in all semester, and step into broader professional conversations was truly inspiring. Moments like these reflect the School of Business at its best.”
For Miller, the opportunity to present marked a major milestone in her academic and professional journey.
“Presenting at the ASMA Conference gave me the opportunity to share ideas that I am passionate about and build meaningful connections within the sport management field,” she said. “Although nerve‑racking at times, the experience strengthened my confidence and excited me about my future career plans.”
In addition to presenting, students attended sessions, networked with professionals and gained firsthand exposure to current research and trends shaping the sport management field.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
