Lincoln Memorial Names Jake Simms Assistant Dean
Dr. Jake Simms joins the School of Business at Lincoln Memorial University in a new assistant dean role.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in People
Lincoln Memorial University has named Dr. Jake Simms assistant dean of its School of Business. The appointment was announced on November 4, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment adds leadership capacity to the School of Business as it works to advance strategic initiatives and strengthen academic programs. Simms brings research and teaching experience from across sport management and business disciplines.
Simms holds a Ph.D. in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The announcement does not include a start date or detailed portfolio of responsibilities.
The players
Dr. Jake Simms
Simms is an academic whose interdisciplinary research examines topics such as virtual influencers and consumer perceptions, and who has presented at national conferences.
Dr. Kelsey Metz
Metz serves as dean of the LMU-School of Business, overseeing the school to which Simms has been appointed.
The details
In the new role, Simms will work alongside faculty and School leadership to advance strategic initiatives and support research. He has previously contributed to the School through teaching, curriculum development and strategic planning, and his work has appeared in Sport Management Review, Journal of Intercollegiate Sport and Quest.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: Lincoln Memorial University announces Simms's appointment as assistant dean.
Big Picture
Simms's research in Sport Management Review, Journal of Intercollegiate Sport and Quest places his appointment within the sport management scholarship that LMU's business school now draws on for its academic programs.
For Tennessee students and prospective students, the appointment signals new leadership attention to the School of Business's academic programs and research. The announcement itself does not indicate any change to tuition, course offerings or admissions.
The takeaway
Academic leadership appointments like this one can shape how a business school balances teaching, research and strategic planning, so readers following higher education leadership may watch how the School of Business's priorities develop under its new assistant dean.
Further reading
Explore more business leadership appointments in People across Tennessee.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Claiborne Progress.
