Awards and Grants

Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award

The Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award is the most prestigious NASSM award and may only be bestowed on an individual once over the course of their career. A specially-featured distinguished scholarly lecture by the Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award recipient is delivered annually at the NASSM conference and printed in the Journal of Sport Management. Further details about the Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award can be found in the NASSM Operating Code for the Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award.

• Must be a NASSM member in good standing that has not previously received the award.

• Must have a minimum of 10 years of service as a teacher, supervisor, administrator, or combination of the preceding.

• Must have made significant contributions to the field of sport management in terms of scholarship, research, and leadership as recognized by peers.

• Must reflect qualities demonstrated by Dr. Zeigler in areas of student growth and development, leadership, service, scholarship, and collegiality.

The deadline for Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award nominations is August 1. NASSM members may nominate themselves or another NASSM member for consideration by submitting an electronic nomination to the Executive Director, Scott Soldat-Valenzuela (director@nassm.org). Individuals who accept their nomination will be asked to submit a CV and two-page narrative describing their qualifications for the award.

• Selection criteria detailing the nominee’s qualifications must be submitted electronically on the NASSM website via the submission form.

• Credentials should be submitted as one PDF document.

• Document name should be formatted as last name_ZeiglerYEAR.pdf (e.g., Smith_Zeigler23.pdf).

• Credentials must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. (PST) on August 1.

2023 - Dr. Marijke Taks, University of Ottawa
2022 - Larena Hoeber, University of Regina
2021 - (no recipient due to COVID-19)
2020 - Marlene Dixon, Texas A&M University
2019 - Jennifer McGarry, University of Connecticut
2018 - Dan Funk, Temple University
2017 - Jeffrey James, Florida State University
2016 - B. Christine Green, University of Illinois
2015 - Janet Fink, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
2014 - James Zhang, University of Georgia
2013 - George Cunningham, Texas A&M University
2012 - Alison Doherty, Western University
2011 - David Shilbury, Deakin University
2010 - Karen Danylchuk, University of Western Ontario
2009 - Mary Hums, University of Louisville
2008 - Lucie Thibault, Brock University
2007 - Dan Mahony, University of Louisville
2006 - Sue Inglis, McMaster University
2005 - Laurence Chalip, University of Texas
2004 - Wendy Frisby, University of British Columbia
2003 - Jacquelyn Cuneen, Bowling Green State University
2002 - Donna L. Pastore, Ohio State University
2001 - W. James Weese, University of Windsor
2000 - Brenda G. Pitts, Florida State University
1999 - David K. Stotlar, University of Northern Colorado
1998 - Dennis R. Howard, University of Oregon
1997 - Garth Paton, University of New Brunswick
1996 - Robert Boucher, University of Windsor
1995 - Trevor Slack, University of Alberta
1994 - Gordon Olafson, University of Windsor
1993 - Joy T. DeSensi, University of Tennessee
1992 - Janet Parks, Bowling Green State University
1991 - Packianathan Chelladurai, The Ohio State University
1989 - Earle F. Zeigler, University of Western Ontario

Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award

The Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award annually recognizes a member’s outstanding service contribution to NASSM. The award is intended to (a) be one of high distinction within NASSM and the award recipient’s own academic community and (b) encourage high standards of service to NASSM and other forms of professional contribution among members of NASSM. Further details regarding the Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award can be found in the NASSM Operating Code for the Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award.

Any current professional member of NASSM is eligible to be nominated to receive the Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award. Nominees must have been NASSM member of good standing for at least 10 years and must have an ongoing record of exemplary service to NASSM and its members.

The deadline for Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award nominations is August 1. NASSM members may nominate themselves or another NASSM member for award consideration by submitting an electronic nomination to the Executive Director, Scott Soldat-Valenzuela (director@nassm.org). Individuals who accept their nomination will be asked to submit a narrative detailing their years of service to NASSM.

2023 - Dr. Bri Newland, New York University
2022 - Lisa Kihl, University of Minnesota
2021 - (no recipient due to COVID-19)
2020 - Larena Hoeber, University of Regina
2019 - Tim DeSchriver, University of Delaware
2018 - Matt Brown, University of South Carolina
2017 - Orland Hoeber, University of Regina
2016 - Aubrey Kent, Temple University
2015 - Jim Weese, Western University
2014 - Ming Li, Western Michigan University
2013 - Clay Stoldt, Wichita State University
2012 - Alison Doherty, Western University
2011 - Carol Barr, University of Massachusetts
2010 - Dianna Gray, University of Northern Colorado
2009 - (no recipient due to withdrawal of candidates)
2008 - Robin Ammon, Slippery Rock University
2007 - Karen Danylchuk, University of Western Ontario
2006 - Jacquelyn Cuneen, Bowling Green State University
2005 - Sue Inglis, McMaster University
2004 - Brenda Pitts, Georgia State University
2003 - Garth Paton, University of New Brunswick
2002 - Bob Boucher, Windsor University
2001 - Janet Parks, Bowling Green State University

Distinguished Sport Management Educator Award

The purpose of the Distinguished Sport Management Educator Award is to recognize exceptional contributions to teaching and learning. The award signifies (a) distinction in classroom, field, and/or online teaching; (b) excellence in pedagogical innovations in teaching, course design, curricular design, and/or assessment; (c) sustained commitment to the improvement and quality of teaching and learning in the sport management discipline; and (d) sustained commitment to one’s own professional learning. A NASSM member may receive the award more than once; however, there must be a 5-year duration between award periods. Further information about the Distinguished Sport Management Educator Award is provided in the NASSM Operating Code for the Distinguished Sport Management Educator Award.

Any current professional member of NASSM is eligible to be nominated to receive the Distinguished Sport Management Educator Award. Nominees must have been members of NASSM for a minimum of five years and must have taught in sport management curricula for a minimum of three years.

The deadline for nominations for the Distinguished Sport Management Educator Award is August 1. NASSM members may nominate themselves or another NASSM member for consideration by submitting an electronic nomination to the Executive Director, Scott Soldat-Valenzuela (director@nassm.org). The nomination letter should outline the qualifications of the nominee based on the award’s purpose. Individuals who accept their award nomination will be asked to provide the following supporting evidence into a single PDF document:

• A current curriculum vita.

• An application document, not to exceed five pages, that includes a statement of the nominee’s teaching philosophy as well as evidence which describes the nominee’s qualifications based on the purposes of the award. Examples of evidence may be, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Evidence of the nominee’s excellence in teaching and/or mentoring students.

  • Evidence that the nominee’s teaching and/or mentoring enabled students to expand their disciplinary knowledge and/or skills, enabled students to become more willing to engage difficult concepts, and/or enabled students to learn new ways to approach questions.

  • Evidence of the innovative teaching methods, course, and/or curricular design.

  • Evidence of innovative assessment techniques and responses to or adjustments made to teaching as a result of assessment outcomes.

  • Evidence of publications, presentations, workshops, and/or other forms of public dissemination of pedagogical concepts, including consultantships.

  • Evidence of sustained commitment to one’s own professional learning through continued professional development.

  • Evidence that the nominee has fostered students’ skills in presentation/research.

• Other appropriate evidence, not to exceed two pages, as selected by the nominee such as summaries of quantitative or qualitative evaluations, feedback from students who work(ed) with the nominee outside of credit-bearing courses (e.g., advising, special projects), evidence demonstrating nominee’s attention to student’s diverse needs, and other evidence indicating that the nominee’s teaching has produced significant learning.

• A current syllabus from one course of the nominee’s choice.

• Five letters of support, at least one of which should be from the nominee’s current administrator, one of which should be from a current student, and one of which should be from a former student now in professional practice. The remaining two letters may be from any of the above categories, or from current or former teaching colleagues, NASSM colleagues, or any other appropriate persons as selected by the nominee. The letters of support should address the nominee’s distinguished performance in classroom, field, and/or online teaching; excellence in pedagogical innovations in teaching methods, course design, curriculum design, and/or assessment; sustained commitment to improvement and quality of teaching and learning in the field; and sustained commitment to the nominee’s professional learning.

2023 - Dr. Jim Strode, Ohio University
2022 - Jim Weese, Western University
2021 - no recipient due to COVID-19
2020 - Barbara Osborne, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2019 - Mark Lyberger, Kent State University
2018 - Angela Lumpkin, Texas Tech University
2017 - Brian Turner, The Ohio State University
2016 - Mark Nagel, University of South Carolina
2015 - Dianna Gray, University of Northern Colorado
2014 - Brenda Pitts, Georgia State University
2013 - Lynn Ridinger, Old Dominion University
2012 - Andy Gillentine, University of South Carolina
2011 - Bob Boucher, University of Windsor
2010 - Robert Baker, George Mason University
2009 - Mark McDonald, University of Massachusetts Amherst
2008 - Jackie Cuneen, Bowling Green State University

Joy DeSensi Diversity Award for Inclusive Excellence

The purpose of the Joy DeSensi Diversity Award for Inclusive Excellence is to recognize exceptional contribution to promote diversity and inclusion within NASSM and related sport management disciplines. The award signifies (a) a significant contribution to promoting and understanding diversity within NASSM; (b) the creation of innovative programs, initiatives, strategies, etc. designed to enhance diversity and inclusion within NASSM; and (c) a sustained commitment to developing diversity and inclusion in sport management disciplines through teaching, research, and/or service. Further information about the Joy DeSensi Diversity Award for Inclusive Excellence is provided in the NASSM Operating Code for the Joy DeSensi Diversity Award for Inclusive Excellence.

Any current professional member of NASSM is eligible to be nominated to receive the Joy DeSensi Diversity Award for Inclusive Excellence. Nominees must have been members of NASSM for a minimum of five years and do not have to have served on the Diversity Committee. Nominees may be of any faculty rank and must currently be teaching full time in a sport management major curriculum. There is no limit to the number of times a member may be nominated. Nominations will remain active for three years.

The deadline for nominations for the Joy DeSensi Diversity Award for Inclusive Excellence is August 1. NASSM members may nominate themselves or another NASSM member for award consideration by submitting an electronic nomination to the Executive Director, Scott Soldat-Valenzuela (director@nassm.org). The nomination letter should outline the qualifications of the nominee based on the award’s purpose. Individuals who accept their nomination will be asked to provide the following supporting evidence as a single PDF document:

• A current curriculum vita.

• An application document, not to exceed five pages, that includes a statement of the nominee’s perspectives on diversity and evidence which describes the nominee’s qualifications based on the purposes of the award. Examples of evidence may be, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Work demonstrating the candidate actively promotes diversity and inclusion in NASSM.

  • Research that advances understanding of diversity within sport management and related domains.

  • Teaching that advances understanding of diversity within sport management – through course curricula, new teaching methods, development of diversity courses, etc.

  • Service that demonstrates an advanced commitment to diversity and inclusion.

  • Demonstrated mentorship of underrepresented groups within sport management.

  • Service on NASSM’s Diversity Committee.

2023 - Dr. Laura Misener, Western University
2022 - Nefertiti Walker, University of Massachusetts Amherst
2021 - (no recipient due to COVID-19)
2020 - Jacqueline McDowell, George Mason University
2019 - John Singer, Texas A&M University
2018 - George Cunningham, Texas A&M University
2017 - Ming Li, Western Michigan University
2016 - Brenda Pitts, Georgia State University
2015 - Heidi Grappendorf, University of Cincinnati
2014 - Mary Hums, University of Louisville
2013 - Joy DeSensi, University of Tennessee

Distinguished Research Award

The purpose of the Distinguished Research Award is to recognize a scholar’s extraordinary scientific contributions to the field of sport management. The award is given in acknowledgment of an individual’s (a) distinguished record of intellectual contributions (e.g., publications, presentations); (b) advancement of conceptual, empirical, and/or theoretical knowledge to the literature and practice; (c) authorship of ideas that are original, important, and validate the distinctiveness of sport management as an academic discipline; and (d) mentorship and support of other scholars. Further information about the Distinguished Research Award is provided in the NASSM Operating Code for the Distinguished Research Award.

Any professional member of NASSM in good standing is eligible to be nominated and receive the Distinguished Research Award. Nominees must have been professional members of NASSM for a minimum of five years and have received the NASSM Research Fellow Award. The award may only be bestowed upon an individual once over the course of their career. Distribution of the award plaque and acceptance of the award will take place at the Founders’ Reception at the annual NASSM conference.

The deadline for nominations for the Distinguished Research Award is August 1. NASSM members may nominate themselves or another NASSM member for award consideration by submitting electronic nominations to the the Executive Director, Scott Soldat-Valenzuela (director@nassm.org). Nomination letters should outline the qualifications of the nominee based on the award’s purpose. Individuals who accept their nomination will be asked to provide the following supporting evidence as a single PDF document:

• A current curriculum vitae.

• A cover letter, not to exceed five pages, that states the finalist’s research specialization and clearly provides evidence of the finalist’s qualifications based on the award’s purpose. Finalists should organize their cover letter according to the following subheadings:

  1. Record of Intellectual Contributions (e.g., H-index, citation rates)

  2. Advancement of Knowledge to the Literature and Practice

  3. Originality and Importance of Ideas and Contribution to the Sport Management Academy

  4. Mentorship and Support of Other Scholars

• Five letters of support, at least three of which must come from NASSM Research Fellows that are not members of the awards committee.

NASSM Research Fellow Award

The NASSM Research Fellow Award recognizes NASSM’s scholars by honoring their achievement in sport-related scholarship disseminated through NASSM. The designation is intended to (a) be one of distinction within NASSM and the Fellow’s own academic community and (b) encourage high standards of research and other forms of scholarship among NASSM members. Credentials must be submitted electronically no later than April 1 of the induction year (induction to take place at annual NASSM conference). Questions about the NASSM Research Fellow Award or application process should be sent to the Executive Director, Scott Soldat-Valenzuela (director@nassm.org). Qualifications (list of minimum criteria) and supporting materials (evidence of minimum criteria) must be submitted online (below) using the guidelines in the Operating Code for the NASSM Research Fellow Award. Click below to upload your credentials and submit your application.

Click here to view the registry of NASSM Research Fellows.

NASSM Sport Management Education Journal Fellow Award

The NASSM Sport Management Education Journal Fellow Award recognizes NASSM’s scholars by honoring their achievement in the scholarship of teaching and learning germane to the field of sport management. The designation is intended to (a) be one of distinction within NASSM and the Fellow’s own academic community and (b) encourage high standards of research and other forms of scholarship among NASSM members. Credentials must be submitted electronically no later than April 1 of the induction year (induction to take place at annual NASSM conference). Questions about the NASSM Research Fellow Award or application process should be sent to the Executive Director, Scott Soldat-Valenzuela (director@nassm.org). Qualifications (list of minimum criteria) and supporting materials (evidence of minimum criteria) must be submitted online using the guidelines in the Operating Code for the NASSM Sport Management Education Journal Fellow Award. Click below to upload credentials and submit application.

Student Research Competition Award

The purpose of the Student Research Competition Award is to recognize a student’s extraordinary research in the field of sport management. To be eligible for this competition, students must be enrolled in a college or university and not be employed in a full-time academic position at the submission deadline. Students may only submit one paper for this competition, and if accepted for presentation, this paper will count toward the two-presentation maximum for the annual NASSM Conference. The winner of the competition will have an opportunity to present the research at the President’s Luncheon of the NASSM Conference. The deadline for paper submissions is January 15, 2024. Questions about the Student Research Competition Award or application process should be sent to the Executive Director, Scott Soldat-Valenzuela (director@nassm.org). Prior to submission, applicants must abide by the Operating Code for the Student Research Competition Award. Click below to upload your paper and submit your application.

Janet B. Parks NASSM Research Grant

The purpose of the Janet B. Parks NASSM Research Grant is to advance scholarship in sport management by providing support to NASSM members as they pursue research projects of importance to the field. Each year, grant amounts will depend upon the Treasurer’s recommendations; however, a total grant pool amount expected not to be less than $5,000 each year will be the norm. Typically, multiple grants are awarded each year; hence, applicants should anticipate a total grant pool amount of $5,000 per year to be split among the grant awardees when developing grant budgets. No more than five (5) awards will be given in a year. Grant proposals are due by March 15, 2024. Prior to submitting the grant application, please read and abide by the Operating Code for the Janet B. Parks NASSM Research Grant. Click below to upload your proposal and submit your application.

NASSM Doctoral Research Grant

The purpose of the NASSM Doctoral Research Grant is to advance scholarship in sport management by providing support to doctoral student members as they pursue projects of importance to the field and advance scholarship in the field of sport management. Each year, grant amounts will depend upon the Treasurer’s recommendations; however, a total grant pool amount expected not to be less than $5,000 per year will be the norm. Typically, multiple grants are awarded each year; thus, applicants should anticipate a total grant pool amount of $5,000 each year to be split among grant awardees when developing proposal budgets. No more than three (3) awards will be given in a year. Awards will be announced at the Annual Conference in conjunction with the conference awards banquet. All grant proposals are due by March 15, 2024. Prior to submitting the grant application, please read and abide by the Operating Code for the NASSM Doctoral Research Grant. Click below to upload your proposal and submit your application.

NASSM Service Learning Grant

The purpose of the NASSM Service Learning Grant Program is to allow students and academics to connect theoretical knowledge and organized service activities in the community by providing service-learning opportunities, scholarship, and capacity in the field. Each year, grant amounts will depend upon the Treasurer’s recommendations; however, a total grant pool amount expected not to be less than $5,000 per year will be the norm. Multiple grants are awarded each year; thus, applicants should anticipate a total grant pool amount of $5,000 each year to be split among grant awardees when developing proposal budgets. No more than three (3) awards will be given in a year. Awards will be announced at the Annual Conference in conjunction with the annual conference awards banquet. Grant proposals are due by March 15, 2024. Prior to submitting the grant application, please read and abide by the Operating Code for the NASSM Service Learning Grant. Click below to upload your proposal and submit your application.