Wingate, N.C.----I didn't quite understand the meaning and honor behind the William V. Campbell Trophy until attending the Summit at Stanford University. It was such a privilege to learn about Bill Campbell, gain insights from an exceptional lineup of speakers, connect with other passionate and driven nominees and merely walk Stanford's impressive campus throughout the long weekend.
 
The award represents far more than academic excellence and leadership and the Summit is much more than a weekend of motivational lectures. These serve as a meaningful opportunity to honor and extend the legacy of Bill Campbell, a legendary figure in Silicon Valley whose mentorship shaped some of the most successful companies and leaders in tech history. The former Columbia University coach brought his unique leadership style from the football field to the boardrooms of Intuit, Apple, Google, Amazon and Facebook, among many others.
 
Although few speakers were fortunate to receive direct mentorship from Bill Campbell and could tell personal stories, every one of them shared lessons inspired by the leadership philosophy and teachings Bill has passed down. Throughout the weekend, I had the privilege to hear from several panelists with unbelievably impressive careers, experiences and lessons to share (see list within the brochure).  
 
The message that resonated with me the most was from Brad Smith, former Intuit CEO. He shared four principles for effective leadership that he learned and still implements from decades of work alongside Bill Campbell: (1) surround yourself with people who handle hard better… sometimes we can't choose the adversity we face, but we can choose the people we face it with; (2) seek to understand before you seek to be understood… leadership isn't always about having the final word, it's about figuring out how to ask the better questions; (3) enter debates to determine the best idea, not win the argument…minimize ego with evidence-based discussion and consider opposing perspectives; and (4) bend when change requires you to bend...great leadership is knowing when to stand firm, bend, push forward and pause because of deep-rooted values and principles.
 
Brad Smith concluded his talk with a quote from Bill Campbell: "The job of a leader isn't to put greatness in someone; God already did that. The job of a leader is to create an environment where the greatness God created in someone can shine."
 
Overall, Smith explained that leadership is building an environment that empowers individuals and communities to reach their full potential. This environment was remarkably evident within the community attending the Summit, a network of former Campbell Trophy nominees of all ages and from all across the country. I was able to connect with these other former student-athletes at meals and social events throughout the weekend; hearing what they are pursuing/building in their personal lives and careers was equally as motivating and energizing as the speakers, if not more.
 
The empowering environment of the Summit would not exist without Bill Campbell, and I couldn't experience it without the empowering environment of my alma mater. I can't thank Wingate University enough for the many opportunities, coaches, professors and peers who have helped shape me today and enabled this experience.
 
Trevor Grant ('23, '24 MAC) quick facts
- South Atlantic Conference Man of the Year ('24)
- Two-time Campbell Trophy® semifinalist ('23, '22)
- Two-time SAC Scholar Athlete of the Year ('23, '22)
- Two-time WU Geddings Award winner ('24, '23, best overall SA)
- Wingate University Football team captain ('23)
 
Wingate University
 
Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 17 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.
 
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