2026 Black Student-Athlete Summit: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 Black Student-Athlete Summit!

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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7:15am PDT

Friday May 22, 2026 7:15am - 8:15am PDT

Start your day off right with some time in the Word as Pastor Eric Moore reminds us that we are Built Different, and that we don't perform for approval, but rather we compete from presence. Come ready to be present and intentional.

Friday May 22, 2026 7:15am - 8:15am PDT
Graduate-Studio A (2nd Floor)

7:30am PDT

Headshots

Friday May 22, 2026 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT

The Graduate - Playwrights Conference Center Lobby

Need a fresh professional photo? Stop by the Headshots Station in the Graduate Playwrights Conference Center Lobby and capture a polished headshot for LinkedIn, resumes, personal branding, NIL opportunities, and life beyond sport.

Professional or business casual attire encouraged.

Friday May 22, 2026 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT
The Graduate - Playwrights Conference Center Lobby

All Attendees

8:45am PDT

THE SUMMIT SHOW

Friday May 22, 2026 8:45am - 10:20am PDT

Matthew Knight Arena

The Summit Show is a dynamic and inspiring continuation of the summit experience, bringing together thought leaders, scholars, and change makers to empower and elevate student-athletes.

Attendees will hear from industry voices like John Thomas of Good Molecules and Harold Hughes of NFNTE, alongside a powerful Sports Scholars panel featuring Dr. Courtney Cox, Dr. Ajhanai Keaton, and Dr. Aquasia Shaw, who share insights at the intersection of academics, athletics, and leadership. The session also celebrates excellence through awards recognition and highlights culture and community through the BSAS x The Juneteenth Generation segment featuring Dr. Leonard N. Moore.

This engaging program blends inspiration, recognition, and education—leaving attendees motivated, informed, and ready to carry the momentum forward.

Speakers

Leonard N Moore

Founder and Executive Director, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Dr. Courtney Cox

Professor, University of Oregon

Dr. Ajhanai Keaton

Assistant Professor, UMASS

Dr. Aquasia Shaw

Coppin State University

Harold Hughes

NFNTE

Good Molecules

We started Good Molecules to change this.
Our products make a difference in your skin by using ingredients backed by science.
They are also safe for you and the planet.
Low prices make sure as many people around the world can use Good Molecules as possible.

Friday May 22, 2026 8:45am - 10:20am PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

All Attendees

9:00am PDT

THE SUMMIT SHOW: Fireside Chat with Harold Hughes

Friday May 22, 2026 9:00am - 9:20am PDT

Matthew Knight Arena

Level Up Your Brand with Harold Hughes
Hear from Harold Hughes as he breaks down branding, storytelling, and building opportunities beyond sport. Learn how to position yourself and make an impact through your platform.

Speakers

Harold Hughes

NFNTE

Friday May 22, 2026 9:00am - 9:20am PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

All Attendees

9:25am PDT

THE SUMMIT SHOW: Sports Scholars Panel

Friday May 22, 2026 9:25am - 9:50am PDT

Matthew Knight Arena

Join leading scholars in sport, education, and culture for a dynamic conversation bridging research and real-world experience. Featuring voices from across the country, this session explores critical topics shaping the lives of student-athletes today and the future of sport. Engage with ideas around identity, equity, leadership, and the evolving landscape of athletics.

Speakers

Dr. Darren Kelly

Treasurer and CFO, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Dr. Amira Rose Davis

Assistant Professor, University of Texas

Dr. Courtney Cox

Professor, University of Oregon

Dr. Ajhanai Keaton

Assistant Professor, UMASS

Dr. Aquasia Shaw

Coppin State University

Dr. Lori Patton-Davis

Professor of Education, UCLA

Friday May 22, 2026 9:25am - 9:50am PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

All Attendees

10:00am PDT

THE SUMMIT SHOW: Lessons around the Market Undefeated Feat. John Thomas

Friday May 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am PDT

Matthew Knight Arena

Tap into a real-world conversation on what it takes to build, position, and win in today’s marketplace. Join John Thomas with Good Molecules as he breaks down strategies behind brand growth, authentic storytelling, and staying competitive in a crowded space. You’ll gain insight into how athletes can leverage their platforms, align with brands, and create opportunities beyond sport.

Speakers

Good Molecules

Friday May 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:25am PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

All Attendees

10:30am PDT

Transition to Lab Day

Friday May 22, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am PDT

University of Oregon

Friday May 22, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am PDT
University of Oregon

Student-Athletes Only

10:45am PDT

Mastering the Pivot

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Jaqua 100

Dr. Derrick Gragg currently serves as Northwestern University’s Vice President for Athletic Strategy after serving three years as the university’s first Black Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. A long-time athletic director, college sports administrator, and higher education leader, Gragg joined Northwestern after serving as the NCAA’s senior vice president for inclusion, education and community engagement.

Dr. Gragg will lean upon his decades of experience as a leader to discuss the importance of mastering change and embracing what comes from pivoting personally and professionally.

Speakers

Dr. Derrick Gragg

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Professionals Only

10:45am PDT

"I'm Just Trying to Figure it Out" Lab

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #184

Speakers

Leonard N Moore

Founder and Executive Director, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #184

Student-Athletes Only

10:45am PDT

Culture and Media Lab

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Speakers

Thais Bass-Moore

Actress and Playwright

I love to laugh!

Marvin Woodard

Creative Director, Razorfish

I’m a self-taught creative, author, and speaker who built a career through storytelling, culture, and a refusal to follow the traditional path. My work spans everything from digital experiences and branding to community engagement and creative strategy, but at the center of it all... Read More →

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Student-Athletes Only

10:45am PDT

Entrepreneurship Lab

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #281

Speakers

Harold Hughes

NFNTE

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #281

Student-Athletes Only

10:45am PDT

Law Lab

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #142

Speakers

Nicole Commissiong

Professor, University of Oregon Law School

Dr. Jen Heusel

University of Oregon

Jennifer Espinola

University of Oregon Law School

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #142

Student-Athletes Only

10:45am PDT

MBA Lab

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #282

Speakers

Caitlin Biddulph

Lindquist College of Business, Univerisity of Oregon

Jonathan Mayo

Founder and CEO, Team Excel

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #282

Student-Athletes Only

10:45am PDT

Medical Lab- Sneakers to Scrubs

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #141

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #141

Student-Athletes Only

10:45am PDT

Policy Lab

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #243

Speakers

Chris Cutkelvin

Secretary and COO, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Congressional Black Caucus

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #243

Student-Athletes Only

10:45am PDT

Scholar Lab

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #241

Speakers

Dr. Courtney Cox

Professor, University of Oregon

Dr. Marcus Johnson

Associate Professor, Texas A&M University

Friday May 22, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #241

Student-Athletes Only

12:00pm PDT

Networking Lunch

Friday May 22, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT

Hayward Track & Field

Connect with peers, speakers, and professionals over lunch at Hayward Field. Take this time to recharge, build relationships, and continue meaningful conversations. Show up ready to connect and engage.

Friday May 22, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT
Hayward Track & Field

All Attendees

1:15pm PDT

Leading with Clarity: Staying Encouraged and Effective in Times of Change

Friday May 22, 2026 1:15pm - 1:50pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Room #175
Bringing senior leaders together to examine the shifting balance of authority in college athletics. As financial pressures grow, athlete rights evolve, and institutional missions are tested, this conversation explores who is truly shaping the direction of the industry—and at what cost.

Speakers

Da’Mon Merkerson

Senior Associate AD, University of Oregon

Dr. Julie Rousseau

Senior Associate AD, University of Southern California

Sheridan Blanford

Chief Impact Officer, Seattle Storm

Friday May 22, 2026 1:15pm - 1:50pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Professionals Only

1:15pm PDT

Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate - Managing (In)Stability within an Ever-Changing College Sports Landscape

Friday May 22, 2026 1:15pm - 1:50pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Lead the Future of Sport
Kick off the Summit with Part 1 of the Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate (SLIC), an immersive learning experience centered on leadership, innovation, and impact in sport. Engage with dynamic facilitators and forward-thinking peers as you explore how to lead with purpose both on and off the field. This session is designed to challenge your perspective, sharpen your voice, and expand your vision for what’s possible. Come ready to think bigger, lead boldly, and step into your influence.

Speakers

Leonard N Moore

Founder and Executive Director, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Dr. Jonathan Howe

Assistant Professor, Temple University

Dr. Ajhanai Keaton

Assistant Professor, UMASS

Friday May 22, 2026 1:15pm - 1:50pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Professionals Only

1:15pm PDT

“They Ain’t Curing Cancer”: College Sports Employees Conceptualizations of a Toxic Work

Friday May 22, 2026 1:15pm - 1:50pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #141

Breaking down how college sport employees conceptualize a toxic workplace and its impact upon longevity and committment.

Speakers

Dr. Ajhanai Keaton

Assistant Professor, UMASS

Friday May 22, 2026 1:15pm - 1:50pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #141

Professionals Only

1:30pm PDT

NIL Bootcamp for Students

Friday May 22, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

Matthew Knight Arena

Speakers

Rick Dupont

Excel Sports Management

Nima Zarrabi

Excel Sports Management

David Weber

Professor, University of Oregon, School of Law

Friday May 22, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

Student-Athletes Only

2:05pm PDT

The Standard: A Head Coach's Vision for Developing Athletes

Friday May 22, 2026 2:05pm - 2:45pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Coach Shephard will reflect discuss the importance of coaches in shaping the student-athlete experience.

Speakers

JaMarcus Shephard

Head Coach, Oregon State Football

Sheridan Blanford

Chief Impact Officer, Seattle Storm

Friday May 22, 2026 2:05pm - 2:45pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Audience Professionals

3:00pm PDT

THE SUMMIT SHOW: Victory Beyond the Play | Nike

Friday May 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Matthew Knight Arena

Speakers

Dominque Debnam

VP Global Footwear Jordan Sport Culture, Nike

Candace Cooper

Global Digital Marketing Lead, Nike

Monique Currie

Women’s Basketball Footwear Product Manager, Nike

Friday May 22, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

All Attendees

3:00pm PDT

THE SUMMIT SHOW

Friday May 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Matthew Knight Arena

Victory Beyond the Play
Join us at Matthew Knight Arena for an impactful main stage experience led by Nike. Moderated by Tunde Oyeneyin, this conversation brings together industry leaders and athletes to explore what it means to win beyond the game. Hear from Domonique Debnam, Candace Cooper, and Mo Currie as they share insights on innovation, branding, and life after sport. This session is about redefining success, expanding your vision, and understanding your impact beyond competition.

The experience continues with a powerful conversation featuring Oregon Football Head coach Dan Lanning This conversation will explore leadership, mindset, and what it takes to compete and lead at the highest level. Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to think bigger about your future.

Speakers

Leonard N Moore

Founder and Executive Director, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Dan Lanning

Head Coach, University of Oregon Football

Friday May 22, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

All Attendees

3:45pm PDT

THE SUMMIT SHOW: Closing Conversation with Dan Lanning

Friday May 22, 2026 3:45pm - 4:15pm PDT

Matthew Knight Arena

Don’t miss this closing moment with Dan Lanning and Dr. Leonard Moore. Through real conversation and insight, they’ll break down what it takes to lead with purpose and perform at the highest level. This session will leave you motivated and ready to take action. Be in the room.

Speakers

Leonard N Moore

Founder and Executive Director, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Dan Lanning

Head Coach, University of Oregon Football

Friday May 22, 2026 3:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

All Attendees

7:00pm PDT

Nike Community Run Club & Store Event

Friday May 22, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Nike Store

Join us for a Sunset Community Run departing straight from the new Nike Eugene. Gear up with exclusive reflective tech and glow essentials then a pacer team will lead the pack through the city streets with a bike DJ bringing the sounds. Learn more: https://www.nike.com/experiences/events/details/75932?previewMode=true

Friday May 22, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Nike Store 590 Pearl St

All Attendees

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