This blog provides key takeaways from the second installment of NASSM Conversations, held on September 25, 2024, and featuring guests Drs. Marlene Dixon, Larena Hoeber, and Michael Sagas. This session was moderated by NASSM President, Dr. Tommy Aicher, and session minutes were presented by Dr. Georgia Teare.

NASSM 2024 awards.

We wanted to introduce ourselves to you all as the new Sustainability Committee within NASSM. Our charge is to support the delivery of NASSM’s initiatives and programming in an environmentally responsible manner.

In Memory of Professor June Baughman

With deep regret, we announce the passing of June Kiger Baughman, Baldwin-Wallace Professor Emerita and one of NASSM’s founding members. Professor Baughman had extensive experience in both the financial industry and college teaching when she participated in the initial meetings that led to the development of NASSM, where she represented the interests of programs housed in liberal arts institutions. She was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan and The Ohio State University. Professor Baughman is remembered by many as a mentor whose straight-forward advice was delivered with a touch of humor.

More details are available at: https://obits.cleveland.com/us/obituaries/cleveland/name/june-baughman-obituary?id=43409514

After years of discussion and research (the first task force was formed in 2013), NASSM transitioned into a new governance structure. Throughout the 2021-2022 academic year, the Executive Committee led by President Bri Newland hosted 3 Town Halls and sent out several emails regarding this change. Then in a special member meeting in February, hosted online to allow as many members to join as possible, the governance structure change was ratified with over the required two thirds voting yes. And away we went.

This week is Thanksgiving in the United States. While the Canadian harvest is earlier (Canadian Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October), American Thanksgiving is also a good time to reflect on that for which we’re thankful.

Whether you’re a student or professional member, affiliated with an R1, R2, or teaching-focused institution, a glimpse NASSM’s inner workings brings our community closer together and shines a light on the amazing work being done to maintain our status as the preeminent sport management association. So, what better way to utilize the NASSMblog than by using it for a diary! Over the months ahead on the #RoadtoNASSM, I’m going to document my perspective, my voice, providing one small, but (hopefully) helpful look into the behind-the-scenes. With this first diary post, I want to bring everyone up to speed.