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2026 Black Student-Athlete Summit

Welcome to the 2026 Black Student-Athlete Summit!

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

2:00pm PDT

Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate - Discovering Your Leadership Style, Session 1

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center

Lead the Future of Sport
The Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate (SLIC) is 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.

Room #282

Speakers

Leonard N Moore

Founder and Executive Director, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Dr. Jonathan Howe

Assistant Professor, Temple University

Wednesday May 20, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center University of Oregon - 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403

Professionals Only

3:00pm PDT

Mental Health Series - Signal Calling- Recognizing the Warning Signs

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center

Session 1

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center University of Oregon - 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403

Professionals Only

3:00pm PDT

Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate - Authentic Leadership, Session 2

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center

Lead the Future of Sport
The Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate (SLIC) is 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

Wednesday May 20, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center University of Oregon - 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403

Professionals Only

4:00pm PDT

Mental Health Series - When Habits Become Harm- Unhealthy Behaviors and Problematic Practices

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center University of Oregon - 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403

Professionals Only

4:00pm PDT

Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate - Assessing and Building Organizational Culture, Session 3

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center

Lead the Future of Sport
The Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate (SLIC) is 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

Wednesday May 20, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center University of Oregon - 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403

Professionals Only

10:34am PDT

Present for the Moment: Responsible for the Mission

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:34am - 11:45am PDT

McAruthur Club / Matthew Knight Arena

***This session is held in the booster club of the arena.The club is located on the bottom floor of the arena.

Purpose: Present for the Moment, Responsible for the Mission: Demonstrating to professionals next steps for communicating the value of the Summit to leaders on campus, as well debriefing with athletes on interpreting their experience.

Speakers

Sheridan Blanford

Chief Impact Officer, Seattle Storm

DaWon Baker

Associate AD - Impact & Strategic Engagement, University of Colorado

Dr. Ajhanai Keaton

Assistant Professor, UMASS

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:34am - 11:45am PDT
McAruthur Club / Matthew Knight Arena

Professionals Only

Audience Professionals

1:14pm PDT

Professional Sessions (DIECE)

Thursday May 21, 2026 1:14pm - 4:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center

Lead with Purpose
Engage in breakout sessions designed for professionals focused on leadership and equity in sport. These conversations will challenge you to think critically about your role in creating more inclusive and impactful spaces. Learn from industry leaders, share perspectives, and gain strategies you can apply in your work. Come ready to engage, reflect, and lead with intention.

Thursday May 21, 2026 1:14pm - 4:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center University of Oregon - 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403

Professionals Only

Audience Professionals

1:15pm PDT

Built Different: How Player Development is Reshaping the Student-Athlete Experience

Thursday May 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Room #110
This session explores how player development professionals are redefining the student-athlete experience by centering identity, holistic growth, and long-term success—especially for Black athletes navigating the evolving landscape of college sports.

Speakers

Jeuel A. Davis

Director of Life Skills & Civic Engagement, Clemson Football | P.A.W. Journey

Osman Kamara

Director of Player Development, Oregon Football

Thursday May 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Professionals Only

1:15pm PDT

Leadership Certification (SLIC), Session 4

Thursday May 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #141

Room 141

Speakers

Leonard N Moore

Founder and Executive Director, Black Student-Athlete Summit

Dr. Jonathan Howe

Assistant Professor, Temple University

Thursday May 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #141

Professionals Only

Audience Professionals

1:15pm PDT

Microdosing Wellness: Practical Strategies to Enhancing Wellness

Thursday May 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Room #175
This session will explore practical tools and strategies to microdose wellness strategies in your busy lives. From work, to home, relationships, and other responsibilities, how do you find the time to implement effective strategies to regulate your nervous system and improve your relationships.

Speakers

Lenecia Nickell

Associate AD, Sport Psychology and Wellness, University of Cincinnati

Siani Brown

Recent Master of Public Health Graduate & Former Student Athlete, Temple University

Thursday May 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Professionals Only

2:15pm PDT

Built to Care, Forced to Compromise: College Sport Employees and Cultural Change

Thursday May 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Room #175
Drawing on interviews with former college sport professionals, Dr. Hancock will reveal how industry-wide transformation is reshaping not just the business of sport, but the people working inside it.

Speakers

Dr. Meg Hancock

Professor of Sport Administration, University of Louisville

Thursday May 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Professionals Only

2:15pm PDT

Sports Leadership & Innovation Certificate - Managing Through a Crisis

Thursday May 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Room 110
Lead the Future of Sport (Session 5)
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. AJ Keaton

Professor, UMass Amherst

Thursday May 21, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Professionals Only

3:15pm PDT

Stay Ready at All Times: The Role of Search Firms in Advancing Your Career

Thursday May 21, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Room #175
Discussing how professionals seeking to advance their careers are attractive candidates for search firms to consider.

Speakers

DeLaina Sarden

Parker Executive Search

Thursday May 21, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

Professionals Only

3:15pm PDT

When It’s Your Student

Thursday May 21, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT

The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Room #110
An interactive session with professionals addressing, recognizing , and communicating with/about athletes who are engaging in harmful practices.

Speakers

Jason Ferguson

Thursday May 21, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

Professionals Only

5:30pm PDT

Links & Leadership | University of Oregon Athletics and DIECE

Thursday May 21, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm PDT

Emerald Valley Golf Course

The golf course is 17 minutes away and 10 miles from the Graduate Hotel. You will need to Uber. We highly suggest folks organize and ride together.

We highly recommend arriving as early as possible to enjoy instruction from the University of Oregon Golf coaches, food, and drinks.

Speakers

Da’Mon Merkerson

Senior Associate AD, University of Oregon

Sheridan Blanford

Chief Impact Officer, Seattle Storm

DaWon Baker

Associate AD - Impact & Strategic Engagement, University of Colorado

Thursday May 21, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm PDT
Emerald Valley Golf Course 83301 Dale Kuni Road, Creswell, OR 97426

Professionals 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

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