The 2025 Southern Management Association (SMA) Pre-Doctoral Consortium will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina, as part of the SMA Annual Meeting taking place October 21 – 25. The event will kick off with a welcome reception on the evening of Tuesday, October 21, offering participants a chance to meet one another and connect informally with faculty and current doctoral students. The one-day consortium is designed for individuals who are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in management or a related business discipline. Participants will gain practical insights into the doctoral journey and academic life through interactive sessions and open discussions with faculty and current doctoral students.

Topics include:

• Life as an academic, including research, teaching, and service
• The day-to-day experience of doctoral students
• How to develop a strong and strategic application package
• How to assess fit with doctoral programs and faculty advisors

Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from anyone considering doctoral study in management-related fields. Whether you are currently an undergraduate, a working professional, or someone already taking graduate coursework, you are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Applications are due by June 15, 2025. To apply, please complete the online form below. You will need to:

• Join the Southern Management Association (SMA)
• Upload a brief letter of interest explaining why you wish to attend and how the consortium aligns with your goals
• Submit a current resume or CV
• Provide contact information for a faculty reference

Participants are expected to attend the full day of programming on Wednesday and the SMA business meeting on Thursday. Those who participate fully will receive a $550 stipend to help with costs.

To learn more about the SMA Annual Meeting, visit: https://smgmt.org/annual-meeting/
Questions? Contact Dr. Liam Maher at Boise State University at liammaher@boisestate.edu

Disclosures

(1) Only active members can register for the Annual Meeting.
(2) Individuals can apply for one consortium only.
(3) Participation in a consortium will preclude an individual from taking part in any off-site event that is scheduled at the same time.
(4) Pre-doctoral, early-stage, and late-stage consortia participants must attend the SMA Business Meeting, which will be held on the evening of Thursday, October 23, to receive their stipend.