School of Business Administration
From Classroom to Conference
Students from the University of Dayton's National Management Association (NMA) Graduate Student Chapter recently attended the 2024 National Management Conference in Orlando, Florida, where they were honored with the prestigious Growth Award and received their official chapter certificate. Notably, they were the only student chapter present at the event, which ran from September 25 to 28 at Universal Orlando.
The NMA, founded in 1925 by Ohio native Charles F. Kettering, focuses on leadership training and professional development for managers and supervisors across various industries. Its annual conference attracts professionals from top organizations, and this year featured speakers from companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Nokia. The event also kicked off the NMA's year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary, culminating in 2025.
For the University of Dayton students, this was an opportunity not only to network but to learn from some of the best minds in leadership and management. MBA student Olajumoke A., who attended the conference, described the experience as transformative:
“The conference was an incredible opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the National Management Association, its rich history, and the diverse chapters across the United States," Olajumoke said. "We had the privilege of networking with professionals from major organizations, which allowed us to apply and refine our networking skills. We were the only student chapter present, which sparked significant interest from other chapters eager to develop their own student wings."
Olajumoke also highlighted the value of the workshops and seminars offered at the conference, including those focused on leadership effectiveness, fostering positive workforce cultures, and enhancing team dynamics. She noted that one of the standout moments was hearing from Kevin Manning, Deputy Director of the Kennedy Space Center, who shared insights on their mission to advance space exploration.
In addition to learning from industry leaders, the students also had the chance to witness the work of FIRST Robotics high school teams, showcasing cutting-edge technology developed with support from NASA. These presentations reinforced the importance of STEM education and its impact on the workforce of tomorrow.
The University of Dayton chapter’s recognition at the conference was a significant achievement. "Being honored with the Growth Award for the year, along with receiving our chapter certificate, was the highlight for us," Olajumoke said. "This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without Dr. Sri’s initiative in bringing the NMA to the University of Dayton and the continuous support from the UD MBA leaders."
As the University of Dayton NMA Graduate Student Chapter continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to provide members with personal and professional development opportunities through programs designed to foster leadership and management skills. By attending events like the National Management Conference, UD students are gaining valuable insights and connections that will help shape their future leadership journeys.
The NMA’s commitment to leadership development spans nearly 100 years, and its educational foundation continues to fund programs that prepare the next generation of leaders for the challenges of the global economy. For the University of Dayton students, this conference was not just an event but a stepping stone toward building a strong foundation in leadership and management skills.