SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The landscape of teaching about faith and entrepreneurship reached a significant milestone this week as the Center for L.I.F.E. (Leading the Integration of Faith and Entrepreneurship) officially launched the Faith + Entrepreneurship Special Interest Group (SIG) during the 2026 United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) annual conference.
What began one year ago as a speculative “what if” conversation in Las Vegas has transformed into a robust, energized community of educators, researchers, and program leaders. The launch event in Salt Lake City drew a capacity crowd, signaling hunger within academia for a rigorous space to explore the intersection of faith and entrepreneurial practice.
A Momentum Built on Community
The launch was characterized by what attendees described as a palpable “energy in the room.” Faculty and researchers from across the country expressed long-standing gratitude for a formalized space to connect.
“The response was deeply encouraging,” Dr. Jen Bennett, the Director of Teaching, Curricular, and Co-Curricular Experiences for the Center for L.I.F.E., said.. “There was alignment and a sense that this is something many in higher education have been waiting for. We are creating a space for those who want to lean into Faith + Entrepreneurship thoughtfully, rigorously, and courageously.”
The journey to this launch was rooted in the vision of Brett Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for L.I.F.E. at Miami University. Reflecting on the timeline, the team recalled the transition from a 2025 idea to 2026 action.
“Vision requires courage, but it also requires a team,” said Dr. Bennett. “Brett’s leadership and openness to bold ideas made it possible to move from a conversation in a hallway to an official SIG that serves institutions nationwide.”
SIG Summit Day: A Visit to BYU
A highlight of the launch week was the SIG Summit Day on Thursday, February 19, which featured a high-impact campus visit to Brigham Young University. The afternoon provided attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at the BYU Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology.
The visit included:
- Collaborative lunch discussions between faculty from diverse institutions.
- First-hand insights from BYU faculty and students on faith-integrated curriculum.
- A tour of the Rollins Center, facilitating idea-sharing regarding campus entrepreneurship hubs.
The collaborative spirit of the BYU visit affirmed the SIG’s mission: creating space for connection and learning that transcends institutional boundaries.
Leadership and Collaborative Partnership
The Faith + Entrepreneurship SIG is fueled by a multi-institutional leadership team. The SIG itself represents a partnership of voices. Key leadership roles are being filled by Priscilla James, MBA (Baylor University) and Ariel Smith, Ph.D. (Wake Forest University), who are working alongside the Center to shape the SIG’s future trajectory.
“This work does not happen alone,” Dr. Bennett said.. “From the builders who catch the details to the leaders stepping forward from Baylor and Wake Forest, we are grateful for the trust and partnership required to bring this to life.”
Looking Ahead: Research, Teaching, and Student Chapters
The launch was more than just a meeting; it was a full day of diverse engagements. The schedule included a morning breakfast meet-up for academics, followed by a session dedicated to the L.I.F.E. Student Chapters. This session shared the vision for student-led communities that allow the next generation of founders to integrate their faith and work from the very beginning of their journeys.
The day concluded with an Open House, where conference attendees explored how to engage this work on their own campuses. The SIG aims to be a primary resource for sharing syllabi, research modules, and best practices for program development.
Just the Beginning
As USASBE 2026 concludes, the Center for L.I.F.E. is already looking toward the future. The Faith + Entrepreneurship SIG is currently inviting interested faculty, staff, and researchers to join the movement.
“One year ago, this was an idea. Today, it’s the beginning of something meaningful,” said Dr. Bennett. “We’re still energized, still processing, and genuinely excited for what’s ahead. This is just the beginning.”
For more information on the Faith + Entrepreneurship SIG or to learn how to engage this work on your campus, contact Dr. Jen Bennett.
About the Center for L.I.F.E.
The Center for L.I.F.E. (Leading the Integration of Faith and Entrepreneurship), based at Miami University, serves students, teachers, and researchers by creating academically rigorous and practically relevant knowledge and experiences at the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship.
About USASBE
The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) is the largest independent, professional academic organization in the world dedicated to advancing the discipline of entrepreneurship.
