Sheri Lambert

As a Professor of Practice in Marketing, my teaching is guided by a commitment to helping students connect to content, self, and the world. My goal is to prepare them not only as future professionals but also as adaptable, critical thinkers who can navigate the rapidly evolving business landscape. My teaching has been consistently recognized through strong student evaluations that reflect both excellence in instruction and impact on learning. To that end, I am honored that my work has been recognized through numerous teaching awards, including the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award (2023), the Andrisani-Frank Undergraduate Teaching Award (2021), and being named one of Poets & Quants’ Top 50 Undergraduate Business Professors (2021). Authentic, Student-Centered Learning My philosophy is rooted in student-centered learning. I strive to meet students where they are, encouraging them to bring their diverse perspectives and experiences into the classroom. By encouraging students to bring their voices into our class discussions, I foster a learning environment where they engage as active participants, think critically, and apply concepts creatively to real-world challenges. In marketing, there are rarely “wrong answers,” and I emphasize teamwork, professional behavior, and problem-solving as cornerstones of my courses. I aim to inspire students with high expectations balanced with empathy and accessibility. As a first-generation college graduate and a single parent who has supported three children through higher education, I understand both the transformative power and the real cost of education. This personal perspective shapes the way I teach, i.e., bringing my industry background into the classroom to create meaningful, authentic learning experiences that prepare students for success. I make myself highly accessible to students, whether through extended office hours, quick responses to emails, or informal conversations that provide guidance and encouragement. Mentoring is central to my teaching; I take time to understand students’ goals and challenges, offering tailored advice that helps them navigate academic and professional decisions. In the classroom, I design learning around collaboration, applied problem-solving, and real-world projects, ensuring students see the relevance of theory to practice. These choices allow me to challenge students to reach their full potential while supporting them in ways that affirm their individual paths. Connecting to Content One of my central teaching objectives is to help students communicate effectively—both in writing and orally. To achieve this, I use professional-style assignments such as business memos, case analyses, and presentations, coupled with detailed feedback. In my marketing strategy courses, for example, students complete four to six case memos and a semester-long capstone project, analyzing organizations and providing actionable recommendations. This redesign, implemented in 2019, has been highly successful: students report that the project not only deepens their learning but also produces deliverables they showcase on their résumés and LinkedIn profiles. Students often shared positive feedback, “The case memos and capstone project pushed me to write and present like a professional. I left the course not only with stronger communication skills but also with work I was proud to feature on my résumé and LinkedIn.” As such, I continue to revisit and refine the course curriculum to ensure continued relevance and rigor. I regularly update the curriculum by incorporating emerging industry trends, new cases, and student feedback. Connecting to the Real World Marketing education should always bridge theory and practice, and I see experiential learning as the most powerful way to achieve that. I design courses that translate abstract concepts into real-world applications through teamwork, deadlines, and case-based problem solving. I regularly use cases, including several I have authored for leading corporations and nonprofits such as Breastcancer.org, Crayola, and Opera Philadelphia, so students grapple with complex, real-world marketing dilemmas that mirror the challenges they will face as professionals. These cases, known for both academic rigor and practical relevance, allow students to grapple with marketing’s complexity and creativity while “putting themselves in the shoes” of the decision maker. Experiential learning, however, extends well beyond cases. I intentionally bring industry into the classroom through three to four guest speakers each semester, offering students direct access to marketing leaders. These interactions not only connect theory to practice but also build students’ professional networks, often leading to internships and full-time employment. I also integrate innovative pedagogy by way of media into my teaching. For example, as cofounder and cohost of the marketing podcast You Did What!?, I draw on interviews with industry experts to bring fresh, real-time insights into the classroom. Students regularly comment on how these conversations help them see connections between course concepts and current marketing practice. I also design projects where students work on real marketing challenges with nonprofit and corporate partners, which gives them both accountability and confidence in applying their skills. My commitment to experiential learning expands globally as well. I have designed International Business Immersion courses in Japan, South Africa, and the UAE, exposing students to cultural and market differences that shape business strategy. In 2024, I was honored to be selected as a Provost Visiting Faculty member at Temple University Japan, where I adapted my teaching for an international classroom while deepening students’ cross-cultural perspectives. Across these efforts, my goal is consistent: to give students authentic opportunities to practice marketing as it is experienced in the field—dynamic, complex, and deeply human. Connecting to Self and Community I believe education is not just about technical skills but also about personal growth and professional identity. My work with the AMA student chapter was recognized with the 2023 Faculty Advisor Award, affirming the impact of mentorship beyond the classroom. Further, I am committed to fostering an inclusive classroom culture that respects diversity and encourages all voices to be heard. By treating students with fairness, empathy, and respect, I aim to empower them to see themselves as capable, resourceful professionals. As one student shared, “Professor Lambert doesn’t just teach marketing, she helps us find our confidence as future professionals and makes us feel that our voices matter.” Continuous Growth and Commitment Teaching is a craft I am continually refining. I actively seek feedback, redesign courses to improve learning outcomes, and embrace innovation in pedagogy. I was honored to be selected for the Provost’s Teaching Academy, which provided an opportunity to further hone my instructional approaches and explore new strategies for student engagement. My teaching journey has also extended internationally, including at Temple University Japan, where I designed and adapted course curricula to meet the needs of diverse classrooms. Most recently, I have incorporated applications of artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, into my courses and case teaching to ensure students are prepared for the realities of today’s marketplace. In sum, my teaching philosophy is guided by three principles: 1. Connect to content by building critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. 2. Connect to the real world through experiential learning, teamwork, and case-based instruction. 3. Connect to self by empowering students to see their own potential and fostering belonging, mentorship, and professional growth. Through these commitments, I strive to inspire students, bridge academic theory with business practice, and contribute to a proud tradition of teaching marketing excellence.