Dr. Sydney Hammit

Sydney Hammit joined the SMU Sport Management Faculty in August 2024. Her teaching portfolio is interdisciplinary, teaching Facility and Event Management, Contemporary Issues in Sport, Advanced PR in Sport, and Senior Project. Before joining SMU, Dr. Hammit taught courses at The University of Arkansas, where she completed her doctoral studies.

Dr. Hammit's research interests focus on athlete well-being, sleep health and intervention strategies, contemporary issues in sport, and sport law. She has presented her research at the Sport Recreation and Law Association (SRLA) Conference and the Applied Sport Management Association (ASMA) Conference. Additionally, her scholarly contributions include co-authored publications on NCAA infractions cases, student-athlete transition into sport retirement, and a presentation at the Southeastern Conference Law Schools' series on Name, Image, & Likeness and the Future of Intercollegiate Athletics.

While earning her Ph.D. from The University of Arkansas, Dr. Hammit was a Graduate assistant to Professor Josh Lens, J.D., as well as a founding member of the Health, Human Performance, and Recreation Departmental Student Organization. She was a representative on the Graduate and Professional Student Congress (GPSC), also serving on various committees including the Teaching and Curriculum Committee and the Policy and Procedures Committee. Dr. Hammit was awarded the GPSC Tiffany Marcantonio Research Grant as well as the University of Arkansas Health, Human Performance, & Recreation Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award for Recreation and Sport Management.

Dr. Hammit obtained her master’s degree in Recreation in Sport Management and her B.S.E. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, both from The University of Arkansas. While completing her master’s degree, she served as the Community Engagement Chair for the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, showcasing her commitment to both academia and community service. As a former student-athlete, she competed as a sprinter for the National Championship-winning Razorback Women’s Track and Field Team, earning All-Southeastern Conference (SEC), All-American, and All-America Academic honors.

Combining her love for people and sport, Dr. Hammit actively volunteers in athlete ministry and engages in mentorship roles. She is deeply passionate about her faith, sport and service, embracing all forms of competition, and maintaining an active lifestyle.