At the 2026 Academy of Management (AOM) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, the Center for L.I.F.E. (Leading the Integration of Faith and Entrepreneurship)—housed within Miami University’s Farmer School of Business—anchored a series of academic programs aimed at advancing scholarship at the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship. Through doctoral mentorship, a professional development workshop, and community networking, L.I.F.E. convened emerging and established scholars from across the globe to strengthen and expand this growing academic field.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Scholars
“The seminar exceeded my expectations in every respect,” said Ivan Steencamp from South Africa. “The quality of the discussions, the generosity of the faculty in sharing their expertise, and the willingness of fellow scholars to engage constructively created a truly inspiring learning environment. I valued the thoughtful feedback on my research proposal, providing new perspectives and a clearer direction for strengthening my contribution to the faith and entrepreneurship literature.”
L.I.F.E.’s presence in Philadelphia began prior to the main conference sessions with the 5th Annual Ph.D. Seminar on Religion and Entrepreneurship. Designed to equip doctoral students with the tools needed to navigate academic publishing and theoretical development, the daylong seminar focused on research design, theory building, and publication strategy.
Under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors—Saulo Dubard Barbosa (EMLYON Business School), Allan Discua Cruz (Lancaster University), and David Townsend (Virginia Tech)—participants presented their emerging work and received individualized feedback.
The seminar brought together an international cohort of Ph.D. candidates, including Rene Anita Chombeng Sama Ambe (Pepperdine University), Junia Lee (Auburn University), Ivan Steenkamp (Unicaf), and Carolina von Ritter (HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management), reflecting the expanding global interest in faith-based entrepreneurship research.
The seminar brought together an international cohort of Ph.D. candidates, including Rene Anita Chombeng Sama Ambe (Pepperdine University), Junia Lee (Auburn University), Ivan Steenkamp (Unicaf), and Carolina von Ritter (HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management), reflecting the expanding global interest in faith-based entrepreneurship research.
“This entire seminar was truly an eye-opening learning experience,” remarked Junia Lee about the seminar. “The parts I found to be most useful were the ‘Theorizing Religion in Entrepreneurship’ overview, the panel with Dr. David Townsend, Dr. Allan Discua Cruz, and Dr. Saulo Dubard Barbosa, and the research canvas sessions. I was able to learn so much about the distinction between theology, religion and faith and how this lens could be applied to entrepreneurship.”
Fostering Dialogue and Research Collaboration
Building on the doctoral seminar’s momentum, L.I.F.E. hosted the 2nd AOM Professional Development Workshop (PDW), titled “The Emerging Field of Faith and Entrepreneurship.” The workshop provided a collaborative platform for academics to examine novel research, challenge conventional frameworks, and map out future opportunities for scholarly inquiry.
A panel of prominent academics led the session, sharing methodological insights and field-building perspectives:
- David Townsend (Virginia Tech)
- Reginald Tucker (University of Oklahoma)
- Allan Discua Cruz (Lancaster University)
- Saulo Dubard Barbosa (Emlyon Business School)
- Jessica Jones (Miami University)
- Mitchell Neubert (Baylor University)
Throughout the interactive workshop, attendees engaged in critical discussions regarding how faith influences entrepreneurial intentions, organizational behaviors, and venture creation.
Cultivating an Academic Community
Complementing the formal research presentations, the Center hosted the 5th Annual L.I.F.E. Faith & Entrepreneurship Social. The evening gathering provided an informal environment for conference attendees, researchers, and institutional leaders to build new professional relationships and reconnect with colleagues.
Attendees engaged in discussions in a casual environment that extended well past the formal program, laying the groundwork for joint research initiatives and inter-institutional partnerships.
Looking Ahead
From foundational doctoral training to broad research exchanges, the Center for L.I.F.E.’s slate of events at AOM 2026 underscored the vital role of structured community in accelerating academic fields.
As participants return to their home institutions worldwide, the collaborations and research ideas cultivated in Philadelphia will continue to inform entrepreneurship scholarship and higher education research for years to come.
Just beginning the journey of faith and entrepreneurship research? Download the free faith and entrepreneurship research starter kit today.
