Niehm Named Helen LeBaron Hilton Chair

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences awarded the Helen LeBaron Hilton Chair to Linda Niehm, professor in the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management, at a ceremony held on April 15.

“Being honored as the Helen LeBaron Hilton Endowed Chair is incredibly meaningful to me,” Niehm said. “It represents the collective impact of collaboration with colleagues, students, entrepreneurs, and community partners across Iowa and beyond.”

Niehm is an internationally respected scholar whose work advances entrepreneurship, small business development, and retail innovation, with a focus on rural communities, family-owned businesses, and consumer well-being.

She serves as Iowa’s representative and Co-chair for the NC 1030 Family Business Multi-State Research Group and contributes to research on small business and economic development. Dr. Niehm regularly serves as a reviewer for academic journals, including the Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, the Journal of Small Business Management, and the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal.

In 2022, she received the Iowa Board of Regents Award for Faculty Excellence, reflecting her dedication as an educator. In 2020, Dr. Niehm received the Distinguished Scholar Award from the International Textiles and Apparel Association (ITAA) in recognition of her research contributions to the field, particularly in retail entrepreneurship and retailing in rural communities.

Niehm has developed numerous real-world learning experiences for students that prepare them for their careers. One example is her development of Iowa State’s on-campus retail store, Innovate 1858. Students learn all aspects of retail entrepreneurship and managing a retail operation. Additionally, the store serves as an outlet for student-made and/or designed products, and student team members collaborate on custom product development.

Her body of research, teaching, and outreach, commitment to students, and advancement of communities and businesses in Iowa reflect the honor’s namesake, Helen LeBaron Hilton. Hilton served as dean of Iowa State’s College of Home Economics from 1952 to 1975. She emphasized collaboration across professions and a holistic approach to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.

Niehm shared that Hilton’s legacy will continue to guide her work.

“Moving forward, I hope to build on that legacy by expanding partnerships, supporting student learning through experiential opportunities, and advancing research that strengthens economic vitality and quality of life.”

Named professorships, such as the Helen LeBaron Hilton Chair, provide funding to faculty, creating opportunities to advance their work.