In the news…

For Immediate Release, May 26, 2026

New Publications, Editorial Appointment, and Industry Partnerships

Lexington, KY — Sport Scholar Consulting continues to expand their contributions to the sport management field through new peer-reviewed publications, national academic leadership, and collaborative professional initiatives bridging higher education and the sport industry.

Sport Scholar Consulting’s founder Dr. Joel Cormier recently celebrated the acceptance of two scholarly publications examining organizational structure and student development within collegiate athletics. Cormier co-authored The Impact of Club Sports on Student Experience in Higher Education alongside Kyle Reece. The article has been accepted for publication in The Sport Journal with an official publication date of October 13, 2026. The research examines how participation in club sports contributes to student engagement, campus belonging, leadership development, and the overall collegiate experience. The second article, The Decentralization and Specialization of Athletics Departments in FCS Football, authored with Martin Barrett and Jeffrey Farr, has been accepted for publication in the International Journal of Business in Sports, Tourism and Hospitality Management and is scheduled for publication in June 2026.

In addition to these publications, Cormier has submitted a book proposal titled Entrepreneurism in Sport, with an anticipated publication scheduled for June of 2027. The project aims to explore innovation, leadership, branding, and entrepreneurial strategy across the rapidly evolving global sport industry.

Further strengthening his role within intercollegiate athletics scholarship, Cormier was officially appointed to the Editorial Board of the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics through 2028. The appointment recognizes his growing scholarly contributions in sport management, organizational leadership, and higher education athletics.

Beyond academia, Cormier also continues to expand professional engagement opportunities through collaboration with the Oxbridge Institute in New York City. This summer, Cormier will be heading up its Sport Business Major and Minor program at Columbia University. The partnership supports leadership development, networking, and experiential learning opportunities connecting students and professionals with leaders across the sport business industry. Site visits have already been confirmed at Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium, with many more to come.

“These opportunities reflect the continued growth of collaborative scholarship, applied research, and industry engagement within sport management,” said Cormier. “I am grateful to work alongside outstanding colleagues, students, and professionals who are helping shape the future of sport, higher education, and leadership development.

Archived Press Releases

March 15, 2026

Sport Scholar Consulting Founder Accepted to Present at CSRI Conference

Lexington, Kentucky — Sport Scholar Consulting is proud to announce that its founder, Dr. Joel Cormier, has been accepted to attend and contribute to the upcoming conference hosted by the College Sport Research Institute (CSRI). This international gathering brings together leading scholars and practitioners focused on advancing research and dialogue surrounding intercollegiate athletics, athlete welfare, governance, and the evolving business of sport.

Dr. Cormier’s participation reflects Sport Scholar Consulting’s continued commitment to bridging research and practice in the sport industry. By engaging with top scholars and industry professionals, the firm strengthens its ability to provide evidence-based consulting, strategic insight, and educational programming for athletic organizations, institutions, and sport leaders.

“Being part of CSRI allows Sport Scholar Consulting to stay at the forefront of conversations shaping college athletics,” said Dr. Cormier. “Our goal is to translate the best research into practical solutions for organizations navigating issues such as athlete development, leadership, governance, and the changing landscape of collegiate sport.”

Sport Scholar Consulting specializes in research-driven consulting, program evaluation, strategic planning, and speaking engagements for sport organizations, educational institutions, and leadership groups. Participation in CSRI reinforces the company’s mission to connect scholarship with real-world impact in sport.

February 1, 2026

Sport Scholar Consulting LLC Officially Established

Sport Scholar Consulting proudly announces its official establishment as a limited liability company on February 1, 2026. Founded by Dr. Joel Cormier, Sport Scholar Consulting was created to connect research, education, and real-world practice across the sport industry.

The firm provides research-driven consulting, strategic planning, program evaluation, leadership development, and speaking services for sport organizations, educational institutions, and community programs. Built on the belief that strong scholarship leads to stronger sport organizations, Sport Scholar Consulting aims to help clients make informed decisions in areas such as athlete development, governance, organizational culture, and the evolving landscape of collegiate and youth sport.

The launch of the company reflects Dr. Cormier’s long-standing commitment to bridging the gap between academia and applied sport practice. Drawing on his experience as a professor, researcher, and consultant, the firm is positioned to support organizations seeking evidence-based solutions and forward-thinking leadership strategies.

“Sport Scholar Consulting was founded on the idea that research should not sit on a shelf — it should actively shape how sport organizations grow, lead, and serve their communities.”

January 31, 2025

Dr. Joel Cormier Named to COSMA Hall of Fame

Sport Scholar Consulting proudly recognizes founder Joel Cormier, Ph.D., on being inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA). This honor recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to sport management education, accreditation, and the preparation of future sport industry professionals.

Dr. Cormier has dedicated his career to advancing sport management through teaching, research, program leadership, and professional service. His work at Eastern Kentucky University and throughout the field has focused on strengthening academic quality, promoting experiential learning, and building meaningful connections between higher education and the sport industry.

In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Cormier founded Sport Scholar Consulting to help sport organizations apply research-driven strategies to leadership, athlete development, governance, and organizational effectiveness. His COSMA Hall of Fame induction reflects both his commitment to excellence in education and his broader impact on the sport management profession.

“I’m honored to be recognized by COSMA. Sport management education has the power to shape the future of the industry, and I’m proud to contribute to preparing the next generation of leaders in sport.”

January 2, 2024

Dr. Joel Cormier Featured on Local Television Discussing Goal Setting

Dr. Joel Cormier, professor at Eastern Kentucky University and founder of Sport Scholar Consulting, appeared on LEX 18 News to discuss strategies for keeping New Year’s resolutions and building sustainable habits.

In the segment, Dr. Cormier emphasized that many people fail in their resolutions because they attempt to change too much at once. He explained that success often comes from focusing on one behavior at a time and turning it into a consistent habit. As he noted during the interview, the key is to “just make it a habit, make it fun, and make it a good year.” ()

Sport Scholar Consulting’s mission is to translate sport research and coaching principles into practical strategies that help individuals and organizations perform at a higher level. Just as athletes rely on structured goals and incremental progress to improve performance, Sport Scholar Consulting works with organizations, coaches, and leaders to implement evidence-based strategies that strengthen leadership, organizational culture, and long-term success in sport and performance environments.

Read the full story: https://www.lex18.com/news/just-make-it-a-habit-keeping-your-new-years-resolution