Faculty members Dr. Jake Simms, Dr. Daniel Solon, and Dr. Christi Sayles from the Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) School of Business presented their research at various academic conferences, contributing to discussions on leadership development, innovation, economic policy, and public health.
Simms, assistant professor of sport management, participated in the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD) Conference, where he delivered a presentation titled Examining the Influence of High School Leadership on Current NCAA Division I Student-Athletes. His research examined how high school leadership experiences influence student-athletes’ perceptions and practices at the collegiate level. Findings indicated that coaches and parents play key roles in leadership development, with peers serving as powerful influences due to their relatability and example-setting.
Solon, assistant professor of economics, represented LMU at the Southern Economic Association (SEA) Conference in Washington, D.C., presenting two studies. His first presentation, The Cultural Origins of Innovation Across the U.S., analyzed how cultural attitudes toward trust and individualism impact innovation rates over the past century. Utilizing new census ancestry data and patent filings, Solon’s study provided insights into regional innovation trends. In his second presentation, Did the China Shock Lower COVID Vaccination Rates, he examined the effects of economic disruptions on public health compliance. His findings revealed that counties affected by major economic shocks exhibited lower vaccination rates and adherence to stay-at-home orders, with these effects comparable to widely recognized social and political factors.
Sayles, associate professor of accounting, was recognized for her research presented at the Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Association International (ABEAI) Conference held in Wailea, Hawaii. Her research, A Comparative Analysis of the Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Statewide Sales Tax Receipts, examines the nuanced economic implications of pandemic-era policies, providing valuable insights into how states navigated and adapted to financial disruptions during COVID-19. She earned the Best Paper of the Session award, a recognition highlighting the innovative and impactful nature of her findings. Her award-winning research will be published in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Business Leadership (JBL).
“The outstanding research contributions of Dr. Simms, Dr. Solon, and Dr. Sayles exemplify the academic excellence within the LMU School of Business,” said Dr. Kelsey Metz, Dean of the School of Business. “Their work spans critical areas of leadership development, economic policy, and the broader implications of COVID-19 policies, thereby reinforcing our commitment to impactful scholarship. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the recognition they have received at these prestigious conferences.”
The LMU School of Business is committed to fostering research that addresses real-world challenges in leadership, economics, and public policy. The School of Business faculty regularly presents research at conferences across the country, showcasing their expertise and contributing to academic and professional discourse.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the 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.
