HBCU Sports Ecosystem: Beyond the Game

HBCU Sports Ecosystem: Beyond the Game— Launching at Jackson State University

The Center for Africana Futures (CAF) at Texas Southern University is proud to launch the traveling HBCU Sports Ecosystem Symposium Series: Beyond the Game at Jackson State University on Friday, September 12, 2025.

This series explores the intersections of athletics, technology, and culture at HBCUs. Our first stop will highlight how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) equity, artificial intelligence in sports information and communication, and athlete analytics are reshaping the future of Black college sports.

The event brings together leaders in athletics and higher education to reflect on how HBCU institutions are not only thriving on the field but also driving innovation, community, and leadership beyond the game.

Featured Speakers:

• Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil — Professor & Interim Dean, Texas Southern University; Research Developer, Center for Africana Futures; Host of Inside the HBCU Sports Lab

• Ashley Robinson — Vice President & Director of Athletics, Jackson State University

• Dr. Charles McClelland — Commissioner, Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)

• Reginald Ruffin — Director of Athletics, Tuskegee University

This launch event is presented in partnership with Jackson State Athletics and coincides with the W.C. Gordon Classic, featuring the Tuskegee Golden Tigers and Jackson State Tigers.

Event Schedule – Friday, September 12, 2025

📍 Ballroom of the Jackson State Student Center, The HBCU Sports Ecosystem Symposium

• 1:00 – 1:10 PM – Welcome & Introductions
  Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil, TSUThe HBCU Sports Ecosystem Sympo…

• 1:10 – 1:50 PM – Panel Session I: Athletic Directors’ Roundtable
  Reginald Ruffin (Tuskegee University) & Ashley Robinson (Jackson State University)
  Moderated by Professor Charles Bishop & Dr. J. Kenyatta The HBCU Sports Ecosystem Symposium

• 2:00 – 2:20 PM – Break / Food
  W.C. Gordon Classic Kickoff: Tuskegee Golden Tigers vs. Jackson State Tigers The HBCU Sports Ecosystem Symposium

• 2:20 – 3:00 PM – Panel Session II: Conference Commissioner & AD’s Chat
  Dr. Charles McClelland (SWAC) & Ashley Robinson (Jackson State University)
  Moderated by Dr. J. Kenyatta Cavil, The HBCU Sports Ecosystem Symposium

• 3:00 – 3:30 PM – Closing The HBCU Sports Ecosystem Symposium

This event marks the beginning of a historic series that will travel across HBCU campuses nationwide. Together, we’re creating space for dialogue, innovation, and leadership that truly goes beyond the game.

#HBCUSportsEcosystem #BeyondTheGame #CAF #TSU #JSU #SWAC #Tuskegee