At Clayton State University, Hailey Long has built more than a standout student record. She has built a model for what is possible when talent, discipline, and opportunity align. Named the 2026 International Collegiate Member of the Year, the highest honor a student can receive within the Society for Advancement of Management, Hailey’s journey represents the very best of what SAM is designed to develop.
This recognition is not the result of a single accomplishment. It is the culmination of sustained excellence across academics, leadership, competition, research, and service, all achieved within a remarkably short period of time.
What makes Hailey’s story even more compelling is how it began. Just one year prior, she entered SAM through competition, stepping into an environment that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Public speaking was unfamiliar. Collegiate competition was new. Yet within that space, she found something that would define her trajectory: a community that made growth feel possible.
That first experience did more than build confidence. It reshaped her perspective. Rather than viewing competition as an endpoint, she saw it as a starting point. She leaned in, took on challenges, and quickly transitioned from participant to leader.
Within months, Hailey stepped into the role of Chapter President at Clayton State, bringing with her a clear vision for what the organization could become. Under her leadership, the chapter did not simply grow. It transformed. Membership tripled within a single year, driven by intentional recruitment, strong programming, and a focus on creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with SAM’s mission.
She built an executive board, organized campus-wide events, facilitated networking opportunities, and strengthened connections across student organizations. More importantly, she created an environment where students felt encouraged to step forward, take risks, and develop professionally. Her leadership was not defined by position, but by the culture she helped build.
At the same time, Hailey’s performance in competition reached the highest levels. At the SAM International Collegiate Business Skills Championship, she and her team delivered one of the most dominant performances in recent memory, earning First Place in the Overall Team Championship, First Place in the Written Case Study, and Third Place in the Business Case Presentation.
These results were not isolated. They reflected a broader ability to think strategically, communicate effectively, and perform under pressure. That same capability carried into other arenas, including a Deloitte-sponsored consulting case competition, where her team again earned First Place. In each setting, Hailey demonstrated the ability to translate knowledge into execution, consistently delivering at a high level.
Her academic record reinforces that same standard of excellence. Maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA in Accounting, she has earned recognition across multiple platforms, including Academic Recognition Day honors, Beta Gamma Sigma induction, and consistent placement on the President’s List. Her work extends beyond coursework into research, where she has co-presented at the SEINFORMS Conference on topics ranging from accounting performance metrics to global business strategy.
These research efforts highlight another dimension of her impact. She is not only applying knowledge, but contributing to it. Her ability to engage in analytical work, synthesize complex information, and present meaningful findings reflects a level of intellectual maturity that complements her leadership and competitive success.
Beyond campus, Hailey has expanded her influence at the national level. As a member of the inaugural SAM Student Advisory Council, she has contributed to initiatives designed to strengthen student engagement across the organization. Her involvement in planning national-level programming and supporting broader student initiatives reflects a commitment that extends well beyond her own chapter.
Her professional development has followed the same trajectory. Through internships in accounting and audit, she has gained hands-on experience that connects directly to her academic focus. These roles have strengthened her technical skills while reinforcing her ability to operate in professional environments that demand accuracy, accountability, and attention to detail.
What sets Hailey apart is not simply the volume of her accomplishments, but the consistency with which she approaches each opportunity. Whether leading a chapter, competing at the highest level, conducting research, or contributing nationally, she operates with a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence.
Her advisor described her as someone who does not just participate, but elevates every initiative she joins. That impact is visible across every level of her involvement, from campus growth to national engagement.
The International Collegiate Member of the Year designation recognizes the single most outstanding student across the entire organization. It reflects not only achievement, but influence, leadership, and the ability to shape the experiences of others.
Hailey Long embodies each of those qualities.
Her journey is not just a story of success. It is a demonstration of what is possible when a student fully engages with the opportunities in front of them. In one year, she has moved from stepping into her first competition to defining the standard for student leadership within SAM.
As she continues forward, there is little question that her impact will extend far beyond the classroom or conference stage. She represents the future of management leadership, grounded in discipline, driven by purpose, and committed to making a difference.