With Black History Month and the Super Bowl ending, it’s the perfect time to highlight a leader advocating for Black student-athletes across multiple sports. Leonard N. Moore, Ph.D., is the founder of the Black Student-Athlete Summit, a transformative four-day event that unites over 1,700 Black student-athletes, professionals, and key figures in college sports. A longtime mentor, educator, and advocate, Dr. Moore has spent decades helping student-athletes navigate the complexities of college athletics while preparing them for success beyond sports.
As the George Littlefield Professor of American History and a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Moore’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. His personal journey—from graduating high school with a 1.6 GPA to earning a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University—shapes his deep commitment to mentorship. Over the years, he has taught more than 30,000 students and led over 600 African American students abroad to Beijing, Cape Town, and Dubai.
This year, the Black Student-Athlete Summit will take place at its largest venue yet, the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, from May 21-24, 2025. With an impressive lineup of past speakers, including Baron Davis, Jemele Hill, Matt Barnes, and Rich Paul, the summit continues to elevate the conversation around Black student-athletes’ experiences, challenges, and opportunities.
A Vision for Empowerment
Dr. Moore’s inspiration for the Black Student-Athlete Summit stemmed from his early days as a mentor at Ohio State. As a professor at Louisiana State University (1998-2007) and later the University of Texas (since 2007), he saw firsthand the unique struggles Black student-athletes face—balancing academics, navigating identity, and planning for life after sports.
“Many athletes expressed anxiety about their post-sport life, grappling with identity foreclosure and external expectations. Seeing these challenges, I knew a support system was essential,” Dr. Moore explains. His goal? To equip student-athletes with the tools to thrive on campus, maximize opportunities, and prepare for long-term success.
Opportunities and Challenges for Black Student-Athletes
With the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era revolutionizing college sports, Black athletes now have the chance to profit from their talents—something that was denied for decades. However, with NIL and the transfer portal giving athletes more freedom, Dr. Moore predicts a decline in graduation rates.
“If a student is making $300,000 a year playing basketball at Georgia, they still have tuition and housing covered. That makes them a $300,000-a-year student. They must remember that education is still key,” he emphasizes.
From 1.6 GPA to Distinguished Professor
Dr. Moore’s own academic struggles fuel his passion for mentoring. His message to student-athletes? GPA doesn’t define intelligence—it reflects effort.
“Many student-athletes haven’t been pushed academically because their athletic ability overshadows everything else. I tell them about my 1.6 GPA and challenge them to be better. They need to hear that someone like me turned things around,” he says.
What’s New at the 2025 Summit?
The move to McCormick Place marks a major milestone for the summit, which outgrew college campuses after hosting at UT Austin, Rice University, and USC.
“This year, we’re introducing a ‘choose your adventure’ format, offering diverse panels and discussions. Moving to a convention center expands our scope, sponsorships, and opportunities,” Dr. Moore explains.
Lessons for Student-Athletes
Dr. Moore urges Black student-athletes to engage beyond sports, encouraging them to:
• Join student organizations
• Pursue internships
• Study abroad
• Connect with professors for research opportunities
“Coaches can be controlling, keeping athletes in a ‘bubble.’ But if you only know other football or basketball players, you’re missing out on real college experiences,” he warns.
Expanding Horizons: Global Programs for Athletes
Few student-athletes study abroad due to rigid training schedules, but Dr. Moore is working to change that. He hopes to launch shorter international programs that fit within their schedules, allowing them to network, gain new perspectives, and build life skills beyond sports.
Dr. Leonard N. Moore is more than a professor—he’s a mentor, advocate, and champion for Black student-athletes. Through the Black Student-Athlete Summit, he’s changing the narrative, ensuring that these young men and women see themselves as more than just athletes, but as leaders, scholars, and future success stories.
As Black History Month and the Super Bowl intersect, his mission is more relevant than ever: empowering Black student-athletes to take control of their futures, both on and off the field.
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