June 2025 – Orlando, FL

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, founder and president of Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), was recently honored at the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) 50-year celebration during the 2025 NACDA Convention in Orlando, Florida.

As a Past President of N4A, Dr. Lashbrook joined colleagues spanning five decades of leadership and service in the academic support and student-athlete development space. The moment was more than a ceremony—it was a powerful reunion of trailblazers who helped shape the modern student-athlete experience.

“It was a humbling honor to be recognized alongside the very people who helped me launch my career—people I’ve admired for more than 50 years,” said Dr. Lashbrook. “To stand on that stage again, among friends and mentors, was a reminder that relationships in sports last a lifetime—and they are still shaping the next generation.”

Dr. Lashbrook’s deep roots in collegiate athletics and academic advising laid the foundation for his transition into the NFL agent business, a move supported by key figures he reconnected with during the event:

Dr. Lashbrook met Kim Durand—now Deputy Athletic Director of Student Services and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Washington—early in his career as an agent.

“Kim broke glass ceilings and set the standard for leadership and integrity in college athletics,” said Dr. Lashbrook. “I’m proud to say I had the chance to mentor her early in her journey—and now, she’s mentoring the next generation.”

Steve Milburn made the pivotal introduction to future NFL client Ralph Dawkins, which led to representing Brian Dawkins—now a Hall of Famer and a name etched in football history.

Tom Mosby, a longtime academic advisor, connected with and inspired Lynn with the Agent Advisor program. 

Dr. Andy Nixon and Dr. Gerald Gurney, academic colleagues and early advocates for athlete rights, championed causes decades before NIL became mainstream. Andy's insights on the importance of university partnerships were a major influence on Lynn.

Each of these relationships—and hundreds more—are part of what makes Dr. Lashbrook’s career so unique, including representing Mark Fields, the 13th overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft. His ability to stay connected, serve others, and evolve with the industry has not only shaped sports business, but also inspired thousands through SMWW’s courses and mentorship programs.

Why This Matters
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and its affiliate, N4A, are leading associations that support collegiate athletics administrators across academic services, compliance, development, and athlete welfare. Being honored by these groups signals national recognition from the highest levels of college sports.

Dr. Lashbrook’s career journey—from academic advisor to NFL agent to SMWW founder—is a case study in the power of networking, mentorship, and staying ahead of industry shifts.

“One of the things I tell all SMWW students: when you take one of our courses, you become part of the SMWW family—and my lifelong rolodex becomes part of your network,” said Lashbrook. “This honor is not just about the past, but about building the future of sports.”

Want to break into sports like Dr. Lashbrook?
Explore our Sports Agent Course or Athlete Development Programs and start your journey today.