In recognition of their exceptional academic performances and involvement in professional development activities related to the sport industry, 10 sport management majors will be honored in February.
Ten Elon University sport management majors will be inducted into the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) Chi Sigma Mu Honor Society, recognizing their exceptional academic achievements and commitment to professional development in the sport industry. The induction ceremony will take place in February during COSMA’s annual conference in Las Vegas.
Membership in Chi Sigma Mu is reserved for top-performing students enrolled in COSMA-accredited programs. In 2024, Elon’s Department of Sport Management received COSMA accreditation, joining a distinguished group of 34 programs across the United States. Fellow accredited institutions include Liberty University, Louisiana State University, Ohio University and Troy University.
Faculty members at accredited institutions may nominate up to 10 undergraduate students for honor society consideration. To qualify, sport management majors must complete at least 60 credit hours, maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA, and demonstrate exemplary academic performance, volunteer service, professional development engagement, and efforts to foster a strong sense of community within their program.
Elon’s inductees include Christian Atwater ’26, Lily Barker ’25, Annabel Callahan ’25, Will Ferris ’25, Laker Figueroa ’25, Sammy Fisher ’25, Cierra Hopson ’25, Eryn Saye ’25, Abigail Selikoff ’26 and Jack Sheppard ’25.
“The Elon sport management students selected as inductees into the 2025 COSMA honor society represent the pinnacle of academic excellence and leadership,” said Shaina Dabbs, associate professor and chair of the Department of Sport Management. “They are outstanding role models at Elon and in the larger community, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence. These students embody the future of sport management and will undoubtedly make a lasting positive impact on the sport industry.”
Khirey Walker, assistant professor of sport management, also praised the inductees for their exceptional effort since enrolling in the sport management program.
“This achievement is a testament to their commitment to success and their bright futures as leaders in their field,” Walker said. “Being a high-achieving student is no easy feat. It requires relentless dedication, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges with resilience. Balancing rigorous coursework, extracurricular commitments, and personal growth demands a level of discipline and focus that is truly admirable. We are proud of each student and appreciative of how well they represent our sport management program.”
Inductees
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown: Greensboro, NC
- In Their Words: The sport management curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, which allows me to explore many aspects of the sports industry. The opportunities to connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences are invaluable, and the support from faculty has prepared me to navigate career possibilities and build relevant skills. It is an amazing environment to grow and prepare for a future in sports.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Hometown: Georgetown, TX
- In Their Words: Elon’s Department of Sport Management has been the cornerstone of my academic and personal growth. The incredible opportunities I’ve had, paired with the support of great faculty and peers, have prepared me to succeed in the sports industry. It’s been an honor to learn and grow in such an empowering program.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Hometown: Maplewood, NJ
- In Their Words: I have truly loved the Department of Sport Management for its exceptional faculty, supportive peers, and impactful courses. Our faculty’s expertise, mentorship and genuine care for students have guided both my academic and professional growth. My peers have fostered a collaborative and inspiring environment. The curriculum’s real-world focus and experiential learning opportunities have certainly given me the skills and confidence to pursue my passion in the sport industry.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Hometown: Saint Johns, FL
- In Their Words: My experience with the Department of Sport Management has been profoundly impactful to both my personal and professional development. Through an innovative curriculum and diverse opportunities for hands-on learning, I have been able to broaden my knowledge of the expanding sport industry. After everything I’ve learned here, I feel more than prepared to make a meaningful difference as an employee, colleague and leader.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
- In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has allowed me to expand my interest in the field of sport and meet new people in many ways. I have built long-standing relationships with faculty, staff, and peers through various networking opportunities and my experiences through internships and a semester abroad.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Hometown: Parkland, FL
- In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has been instrumental in developing my professionalism and preparing me for a career by offering valuable opportunities to grow. The hands-on experiences, coursework and networking have prepared me for success in the sport industry. What truly sets the program apart is the incredible professors who strive to create lasting relationships with students, mentoring and supporting each one. I am and will be forever grateful for this department.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Hometown: Villanova, PA
- In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management has enhanced my professional skills and exposed me to many practical experiences that exceed the norms of a classroom. Throughout my experience, I’ve been exposed to many industry professionals and individuals who have shaped my growth as a student. The authentic relationships I have formed with my professors are truly what separates the Department of Sport Management from others.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
- In Their Words: The Department of Sport Management provided an incredible environment for personal and professional growth. It offered me unparalleled opportunities to immerse myself in the industry, build meaningful relationships, and gain hands-on experience through internships and projects. From inspiring classroom discussions to invaluable conversations with industry leaders, every moment was a chance to learn and grow. These experiences shaped my college journey and prepared me for success after graduation.
- Majors: Sport Management and Cinema & Television Arts
- Graduation Year: 2026
- Hometown: Livingston, NJ
- In Their Words: I chose Elon for its Department of Sport Management. The professors bring real-world experiences and passion into the classroom. They are accessible and genuinely are investing in their student’s success. Their mentorship has allowed me to pursue undergraduate research and participation in Elon’s SURE program. This department has given me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Charlotte with NASCAR and the ACC while still taking classes for my major.
- Major: Sport Management
- Graduation Year: 2025
- Hometown: Morristown, NJ
- In Their Words: I’ve truly enjoyed my time in the Department of Sport Management because of the close-knit environment and the connections I’ve built inside and outside the classroom. The faculty goes beyond just academics — they genuinely care about getting to know you as a person. It’s been a rewarding experience to grow professionally and personally in a supportive community that fosters collaboration and deep connections.
The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) is a specialized accrediting body whose purpose is to promote and recognize excellence in sport management education worldwide in colleges and universities at the baccalaureate, masters and doctoral levels through specialized accreditation.