Core Courses
MSM-610 Strategic Management
This course provides an in-depth exploration of strategic management principles and practices. Students will learn to analyze complex business environments, formulate and implement strategies, and evaluate organizational performance. Emphasis is placed on integrating ethical, global, and sustainability considerations into strategic decision-making. Case studies and simulations will be used to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
MSM-552 Strategic Organizational Behavior
This course examines how people, teams, and systems influence organizational effectiveness and long-term strategic outcomes. Drawing from research in leadership, organizational culture, human motivation, change, and innovation, students explore how behavioral dynamics shape performance, engagement, and strategic results. Through readings, case studies, self-assessments, and applied projects, students learn to diagnose organizational behavior challenges and design strategic interventions that promote innovation, strengthen culture, and enhance organizational adaptability. Students will apply course concepts to their own organizational contexts, building actionable skills in leadership, communication, change readiness, and organizational design.
MSM-510 Managerial Finance
Focus on the financial functioning of business enterprises. Topics covered include the cost of capital, capital structure, dividend policies, working capital management, intermediate-term funding, options, leases, and corporate restructuring. Financial calculators and cases are utilized.
MSM-520 Artificial Intelligence & Analytics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now residing in most businesses, and even in our personal lives. But, what is AI? This course intends to dive deeper into the mechanics of AI and keep framing on the business space. Namely, we wish to explore the ways in which AI is present in analytics that assist in driving business choices.
This course provides master’s-level business leaders and rising talent with the comprehensive game plan necessary for developing the human factor crucial to data science: the ability to apply analytical thinking to real-world problems. Students will learn how to lead and scale AI and analytics throughout an organization, moving from “best-guess” decision making to evidence-based decisions, and crafting strategies that create real impact.
The building blocks of what AI is at its core are statistical in nature. This course will take a tour of some of the more prominent concepts, theories, terminologies, techniques, and applications, starting with the difference between statistics and statistical learning.
The course will specifically address the leadership challenges inherent in integrating unprecedented technology-enabled tools into strategic management and decision-making processes. It provides a robust combination of technical and practical knowledge for the student, prepping them for success in leading.
MSM-546 Marketing Strategy
This course provides an intensive examination of the principles and practices of contemporary marketing strategy, positioning the student as a strategic decision-maker. Students will move beyond tactical execution to understand how to formulate, implement, and evaluate market-driven strategies that achieve sustainable competitive advantage and maximize organizational value. The course emphasizes the dynamic relationships between market analysis, organizational capabilities, consumer behavior, and ethical decision-making in a rapidly evolving global environment.
LDR-753 Conflict Management & Negotiation
Students are invited to build a dynamic relationship with conflict and conflict resolution. When and how might exercising leadership require us to generate conflict? Hold the tension? Facilitate resolution? Students will investigate conflict through the lens of identity and their own reaction to conflict.
MSM-560 Applied Experience in Strategic Management
This course provides master’s students with the opportunity to demonstrate the integration, synthesis, and application of knowledge gained throughout the program. Students complete an applied or research-based strategic project in collaboration with an organization of their choosing. Through structured coaching, guided reflection, data analysis, and real-world problem-solving, students apply strategic leadership, organizational behavior, change management, and analytical skills to address a meaningful strategic challenge. This experience strengthens professional effectiveness, communication skills, and strategic decision-making.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Track
MSM-501 Entrepreneurship
This course introduces evidence-based entrepreneurship and the Customer Development framework. Students learn to design and test business model hypotheses, conduct customer discovery, develop minimum viable products, analyze early-market data, and make informed strategic decisions under uncertainty. Emphasizing lean experimentation and strategic management principles, the course prepares students to evaluate opportunities, refine venture concepts, and build validated go-to-market strategies. The course culminates in an evidence-based venture plan and presentation.
LDR-648 Introduction to Design Thinking
In this course candidates develop leadership skills to move from counterproductive deficit-based practices to powerful creative practices. Candidates are exposed to an overview of design thinking and given the opportunity to experiment with key questions and tools in order to understand and employ design thinking practices as a problem-solving approach.
MSM-550 Operations & Supply Chain Strategy
This course explores the principles and practices of operations and supply chain management in a global context. Students will learn how organizations design, manage, and improve processes to deliver products and services efficiently and sustainably. Topics include process analysis, capacity planning, inventory management, logistics, global sourcing, supplier relations, risk management, and digital transformation. Case studies, simulations, and applied projects will connect theory to practice, preparing students to lead operations and supply chain initiatives in diverse industries.
Sports Management Track
MSM-547 Social Issues in Sports
This course provides a critical examination of the major social issues influencing contemporary sport at the amateur, collegiate, and professional levels. Students will explore the intersection of sport with culture, economics, identity, politics, and ethics. Through case studies, readings, multimedia content, and applied projects, students will learn how sport both reflects and shapes broader social dynamics.
MSM-548 Strategic Sports Marketing
This course explores advanced concepts and strategies in sports marketing with a strong emphasis on challenges and opportunities in the digital era. Learners will examine the role of social media, student-athletes as influencers, game-day promotions, branding, fan engagement strategies, and differences in marketing approaches across interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional sports. Through case studies, applied projects, and research-based analysis, students will develop the skills needed to conceptualize and implement effective marketing strategies in today’s competitive sport environment.
MSM-549 Sports Law, Governance & Compliance
This course explores the legal, regulatory, and organizational forces that shape decision-making in the sports industry. Students will examine how leagues, universities, international federations, and governing bodies create and enforce rules, manage risk, and address emerging challenges in athlete rights, competitive fairness, and organizational accountability. Topics include governance models, compliance program development, contract structures, antitrust and labor issues, intellectual property concerns, and the growing impact of name-image-likeness (NIL) regulations. Through case studies, policy analysis, and practical application exercises, students will assess how legal obligations and ethical considerations guide strategy across professional, collegiate, and global sport.
Jim Russell, Ed.D.
Jim Russell, Ed.D., has 30 years of industry experience in several industrial sectors including defense, pharmaceutical, electrical, logistics, heavy trucking, steel service, and automotive industries. He has 12 years of academic faculty experience at Purdue University, Indiana University, University of Indianapolis, and Marian University. Dr. Russell has 16 years of consulting experience in leadership development, lean/six sigma implementation, and technical training.
- Doctor of Education, Organizational Management, Oakland City University
- Master of Business Administration, HR Emphasis, Keller Graduate School of Management
- Bachelor of Science, Electronic Technology, Indiana State University
- Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt, Indiana University
Dr. Russell refers to his teaching style as “edutainment.” His objective is to make the material as interactive as possible, driving participation and discussion, to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Case studies and “what-if?” scenarios are regular components of every class meeting, and he strives to have every student in the classroom (where practical) speak and be heard.
Dr. Johnna Denning-Smith
Dr. Johnna Denning-Smith will serve as the Program Director for the Master of Science in Strategic Management at Marian University. An educator, academic leader, and design thinking facilitator, she brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, strategic management, innovation, and academic program development. She earned her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University and has held leadership and faculty roles at Marian University, Purdue University, and the University of Evansville. Throughout her career, she has focused on connecting leadership theory with practical strategies that help individuals and organizations navigate change, embrace innovation, and achieve meaningful results.
A central focus of Dr. Denning-Smith's professional work is facilitating design thinking and human-centered innovation with professionals and organizations. Through collaborative workshops and facilitated experiences, she helps teams challenge assumptions, reframe complex problems, explore diverse perspectives, and develop creative, actionable solutions. Her approach emphasizes empathy, experimentation, and collaboration, encouraging organizations to move beyond traditional problem-solving methods and cultivate a culture of innovation.
Dr. Denning-Smith brings this same philosophy into her teaching, emphasizing experiential learning and the practical application of leadership and management concepts. She incorporates real-world organizational challenges, collaborative problem-solving, and design thinking methodologies to help students strengthen their strategic thinking and develop the confidence to lead change. Her goal is to prepare professionals who can think critically, approach challenges creatively, and translate innovative ideas into meaningful organizational impact.
Carissa Newton, MBA, PCM
Carissa Newton is an Assistant Professor of Marketing & Sales in the School of Business and a marketing strategist with more than 25 years of industry experience spanning marketing & sales leadership, digital strategy, technology, and organizational growth.
Mrs. Newton has experience in a variety of industries including insurance, financial services, technology, security, and hospitality. Her success has been centered on marketing tied to clear strategic communication, new technologies, in-depth market analysis, and innovative marketing strategies. Across her experiences, she has had a blend of B2B, B2C, and eCommerce working with entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Her career bridges industry and higher education, allowing her to bring contemporary marketing & sales practice directly into her teaching, scholarship, and work with students.
“My teaching philosophy centers on experiential, applied learning that connects marketing theory to authentic business challenges. I believe students learn best by doing, reflecting, and adapting through real client projects, simulations, competitions, and collaborative problem-solving. I intentionally integrate emerging technologies, including AI, to build confidence, curiosity, and career readiness. My role is to create a supportive, challenging environment where students develop strategic thinking, professional judgment, and the ability to translate classroom knowledge into meaningful impact in their future careers.”
Amie Anthrop
Amie Anthrop brings extensive experience in education, academic leadership, and collegiate athletics, with a professional background spanning teaching, coaching, athletic administration, and student-athlete development. Her career reflects a commitment to fostering student growth, supporting academic achievement, and creating opportunities for success both in and beyond the classroom.
Anthrop most recently served as Director of Operations for Purdue University Women’s Basketball from 2023 to 2026. In this role, she managed the program’s daily operations, including team travel, contracts, camps, and organizational logistics. Prior to this appointment, she served for two seasons as Purdue’s Supervisor of Softball Operations.
Before entering collegiate athletics administration, Anthrop spent nine seasons as a head girls’ basketball coach at Clinton Prairie, Harrison, and Fountain Central high schools, compiling a career record of 144–65. She was selected as an assistant coach for the 2021 Indiana Junior All-Stars. Her experience in secondary education includes teaching physical education at Clinton Prairie High School, social studies at Harrison and Fountain Central, and health at East Tipp Middle School. She also served as assistant athletic director at both Fountain Central and Clinton Prairie, combining instructional experience with leadership in athletic and student development.
Anthrop’s foundation in education and athletics began as a collegiate student-athlete at the University of Southern Indiana, where she started all 112 basketball games during her career from 2008 to 2011. She concluded her playing career among the program’s all-time leaders in scoring, three-pointers, free throws, and steals. She was also the second player in program history to record 1,000 career points and 300 assists.
Anthrop’s academic preparation includes four degrees and credentials that reflect her commitment to educational leadership, sport administration, and interdisciplinary learning:
- Master’s Certificate in School Leadership – Indiana Wesleyan University
- Master’s Degree in Sports Management – Liberty University
- Bachelor’s Degree in History – University of Southern Indiana
- Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies – University of Southern Indiana
Through her diverse experience as an educator, coach, collegiate athlete, and athletics administrator, Anthrop brings a comprehensive perspective on student development and institutional leadership. Her work is grounded in the belief that education and athletics serve as powerful opportunities to develop leadership, strengthen communities, and prepare individuals for lifelong success.
Adam Lehe, MBA
Adam Lehe is an accomplished sports business and marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, sponsorship development, event management and strategic business operations. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions with prominent organizations, including the Fiesta Bowl, Learfield Sports, Intersport and Fineline Technologies.
Adam previously served as an adjunct professor at Arizona State University, where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in sports management. His professional experience spans collegiate athletics, postseason bowl games, corporate partnerships, ticketing operations and revenue generation, providing students with practical insights into the business of sports.
Adam earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sports Management from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in Sports Management from Arizona State University, where his graduate research on volunteer coaches in youth sports organizations was published in The Journal of Youth Sports.
Passionate about education and professional development, Adam enjoys connecting classroom concepts with real-world experiences and helping students prepare for successful careers in the sports industry.
Originally from Brookston, Indiana, he and his wife, Gina, live in a suburb of Indianapolis and have two girls, Adriana and Natalia.
Dr. Tom Hinkley
