GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Dr. Lori Huckaby, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, has been selected as Davenport's submission for GLIAC Faculty Member of the Year, recognizing her outstanding commitment to academic excellence, student success, and leadership within the university community.
A respected educator and mentor, Dr. Huckaby is known for creating engaging learning environments that connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences. Her dedication to student development has earned praise from both colleagues and students alike.
"Dr. Huckaby is consistently recognized for creating a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment," said Department Chair Dr. Todd Terry. "Students value her strong communication, responsiveness, and genuine care for their success. Her ability to connect course material to real-world applications—especially through hands-on and sports-related examples—enhances understanding and enjoyment. She is praised for being flexible, approachable, and highly effective in guiding students through challenges. Overall, her well-structured courses, balanced workload, and enthusiastic teaching style make her an outstanding and impactful instructor."
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Huckaby has expanded her involvement in collegiate athletics and experiential learning opportunities. This year, she joined Davenport's Compliance Committee, gaining a comprehensive understanding of student-athlete eligibility processes and NCAA compliance. She is also leading efforts to establish a future Study Abroad program in Europe, which will provide students with firsthand exposure to the global sport business industry. Additionally, she serves as Director of the Davenport University Sport Management Advisory Board.
Student feedback from the 2025-26 academic year further highlights the lasting impact of Dr. Huckaby's teaching and mentorship.
"The teacher effectively communicated with everyone throughout the course of the class," one student shared. "Lori Huckaby put the class in a good learning environment, and I feel like she is a major reason that the class went so smoothly for my classmates and me."
Another student noted, "Our instructor did a great job relating things to sports, which made it easy for me to understand."
Additional student comments praised Dr. Huckaby's engaging teaching style, responsiveness, and dedication to helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
"Professor Huckaby is awesome! This is the second class I've had with her and she's a great teacher," wrote one student, while another added, "It was clear that Professor Huckaby cares about her students."
Dr. Huckaby's commitment to fostering student success through innovative teaching, meaningful mentorship, and service to the university sets her apart. Her passion for education and ability to create transformative learning experiences continue to make a lasting impact on the Davenport community.
